PDP criticizes Otu over the chaotic health sector in Cross River

By Ike Uchechukwu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has sharply criticized Governor Bassey Otu, alleging that the state’s health sector is on the brink of collapse.

State PDP Chairman Venatius Ikem (Esq) voiced these concerns while speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Calabar.

Ikem asserted that the General Hospitals in Calabar and Akamkpa—the only operational public hospitals—are hampered by frequent power failures, compelling surgeons to rely on patients’ relatives’ petrol generators or phone torches for illumination.

“The health sector in Cross River is in a shambolic condition and requires urgent intervention,” Ikem declared.

“It is unacceptable that surgeries are being carried out with the aid of phone torch lights because there is no electricity in some General Hospitals.”

He further claimed that the state employs merely 99 nurses and fewer than 20 doctors in its public facilities, noting that many health workers have left due to inadequate salaries and poor working conditions.

“Nurses and doctors are leaving the state service due to poor remuneration and terrible working environment.

“The few health workers left are overstretched and cannot adequately meet the healthcare needs of the people,” he added.

Ikem also pointed to a severe shortage of midwives, which he said is pushing pregnant women toward unregulated Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), thereby increasing maternal mortality. He urged the enactment of laws that would require referrals to qualified professionals.

“There is no proper law regulating the activities of Traditional Birth Attendants in the state.

Government must put measures in place to ensure collaboration and referral protocols between TBAs and trained medical personnel in order to safeguard pregnant women,” Ikem insisted.

The PDP leader highlighted Odukpani—the governor’s home local government area—where the sole health facility is staffed by only two nurses, and criticized the existence of unaccredited nursing schools that worsen staffing deficits.

“The nursing colleges in the state are still awaiting accreditation from the Nigerian Nursing and Midwifery Council.

“This is affecting training capacity and worsening the manpower shortage in the health sector,” he said.

Ikem also blamed Health Commissioner Dr. Henry Ayuk for prioritising soakaway projects over essential equipment and staffing, questioning the allocation of funds that he said are largely controlled by donors.

He called for immediate recruitment, rehabilitation of facilities, reliable power supply, and provision of equipment.

In parallel, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) appealed for large‑scale nurse recruitment and the refurbishment of hospitals.

State Chairman Comr.