Cross River State Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA has raised alarm over inadequate number of medical doctors on the payroll of the Cross River State Government. This is as the Coronavirus pandemic is getting closer to the State following reported cases in neighbouring Akwa Ibom and Benue States and the Republic of Cameroon.
State NMA Chairman, Dr. Agam Ayuk says only 33 medical doctors are available in all the 18 local government areas of the State for over 4 million citizens.
Speaking while addressing journalists on the preparedness of doctors for the Coronavirus pandemic and launch of Free Healthcare Connect Service at the Calabar Women and Children Hospital, Ayuk said the State Government should find solution to the urgent problem at hand.
On his part, the 2nd National Vice President of NMA, Dr. Ofem Enang, said the free medical service launched was meant for residents of the State to access qualified healthcare personnel with just a call, in view of the stay-at-home order.
The doctors however assured that if there is any outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic in the State, doctors from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital would intervene and render assistance when necessary even as they called on Governor Ben Ayade to look into the plight of medical doctors in the State.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
