Northern Cross River To Get First Dialysis Referral Centre Under Otu’s Health Initiative

CROSS RIVER, CALABAR – Residents of Northern Cross River will soon have access to specialist kidney care as Governor Bassey Edet Otu, has approved funding for the completion of a kidney dialysis centre at the General Hospital, Ogoja, in a move aimed at expanding access to life-saving renal treatment across the state.

The facility, upon completion, is expected to serve as the first major dialysis referral centre in the Northern Senatorial District, reducing the need for patients to undertake long and costly journeys to Makurdi, Abakaliki and Calabar for dialysis.

Announcing the approval in Calabar on Friday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the intervention underscores the Otu administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to quality specialist healthcare services.

Dr. Ayuk explained that the decision was prompted by the growing incidence of kidney failure and the absence of a functional dialysis referral centre in the northern part of the state.

He noted that patients requiring renal dialysis currently travel long distances to access treatment in neighbouring states and Calabar, exposing them to additional physical, emotional and financial hardship.

According to the Commissioner, Governor Otu has approved the release of funds to commence and complete the outstanding civil works required for the installation of dialysis equipment at the proposed Kidney Centre in the General Hospital, Ogoja.

“The Governor has approved the release of funds to commence and complete the outstanding civil works required for the installation of dialysis equipment at the proposed Kidney Centre in General Hospital, Ogoja,” Ayuk said.

He described the project as a strategic investment that will significantly improve access to specialist renal care while reducing the burden on patients and their families.

“The intervention will substantially reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside the Northern Senatorial District while improving survival outcomes for people living with kidney disease,” the Commissioner stated.

Ayuk commended Governor Otu for prioritising healthcare delivery, describing the approval as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to people-centred healthcare under its development agenda.

He assured residents that the Ministry of Health would ensure the transparent and timely utilisation of the approved funds to facilitate the completion of the project and the commencement of dialysis services.

Upon completion, the dialysis centre is expected to serve as a major referral hub for renal care in Northern Cross River, bringing specialist treatment closer to thousands of residents and easing the financial burden associated with seeking dialysis services outside the district.

The project is expected to strengthen the state’s healthcare system by improving access to specialised kidney treatment and reducing preventable complications associated with delayed dialysis.