Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the release of funds for the completion of a kidney dialysis centre at the General Hospital in Ogoja, a move aimed at expanding access to specialist renal healthcare for residents of the Northern Senatorial District.
The initiative is expected to address the long-standing challenge of limited dialysis services in the area by providing patients with life-saving treatment closer to home, eliminating the need for frequent long-distance travel.
Speaking in Calabar on Friday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the Governor’s approval underscores his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that quality medical services are accessible across every part of the state.
Dr. Ayuk noted that the decision was prompted by the growing number of kidney disease cases and the lack of a functional dialysis referral facility in Northern Cross River.
He explained that many patients currently travel to cities such as Makurdi, Abakaliki and Calabar to receive dialysis, a situation that places heavy financial, emotional and physical strain on individuals and their families.
According to the commissioner, the approved funds will cover the outstanding civil works needed to enable the installation of dialysis equipment at the proposed Kidney Centre within the General Hospital, Ogoja.
He described the project as a vital investment that will strengthen the state's healthcare system, improve access to specialist renal care, and reduce the dependence on medical facilities outside the district.
Dr. Ayuk commended Governor Otu for placing the health and wellbeing of Cross River residents at the forefront of his administration’s priorities, describing the approval as another milestone in delivering people-focused healthcare.
He also assured that the Ministry of Health would ensure the transparent and timely deployment of the funds to guarantee the speedy completion of the facility and the commencement of dialysis services.
When completed, the dialysis centre will serve as a key referral facility for kidney care in Northern Cross River, offering specialist treatment to thousands of residents while significantly reducing the cost and inconvenience of seeking care in neighbouring states.
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