line with the “People’s First” mantra of His Excellency, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) has embarked on a crucial four-day review of the Minimum Service Package (MSP) document. This initiative aims to ensure that quality healthcare is delivered at minimal cost to the people at the Primary Healthcare (PHC) level.
The event, which commenced today, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Franphinas Suites in Calabar, underscores the state government’s commitment to making healthcare a top priority.
The review process for these essential documents was officially declared open by the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk (Ph.D.), who delivered the opening remarks and emphasized the significance of the initiative for the state’s health sector.
Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, the Director General of CRSPHCDA, addressed the participants, highlighting the milestone achievements of the MSP and its potential to significantly enhance the state’s healthcare delivery system.
In her welcoming address, she expressed gratitude to all attendees for honoring the invitation, urging them to fully utilize the opportunity to review all documents that will help bolster the proper functioning and improve the delivery of quality healthcare to communities. These documents will aid in measuring the services delivered at PHCs and will help forecast what the government needs to do and make available to enhance quality service delivery in PHCs.
Dr. Otu stressed the need for collective effort, stating that “all hands must be on deck to make sure we achieve the best for our healthcare system.” She also expressed enthusiasm for achieving at least a 90% benchmark in all pillars of Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR), as recommended by the NPHCDA. These pillars include Governance & Ownership, Legislation, Systems Development, Repositioning, Minimum Service Package, Human Resources, Office Set-up, Funding Source & Structure, and Operational Guidelines.
As the organizer (CRS PHCDA) of the event, she also extended a special thank you to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the State Ministry of Health, and partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and other implementing partners for their unwavering support towards the review program. The meeting serves as a comprehensive review of the State Minimum Service Package.
The review meeting, scheduled to run from Tuesday, September 16, 2025, to Friday, September 19, 2025, is a high-level gathering of key individuals and health sector leaders. The meeting attendees included: Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, DG, CRSPHCDA; Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk (Ph.D.), Commissioner for Health, Cross River State; Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Senior Adviser on Health to the Governor; Mrs. Uduak Spencer Efem, Senior Special Adviser on Nursing Education; Dr. Etim Effiong Ayi, retired Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health; Dr. Godwin Iyala, DG, Cross River State Health Insurance Agency (CRSHIA); Dr. Ushie D.E., Technical Adviser on Universal Health Coverage; Mr. Okechukwu Christian, SC NPHCDA for Cross River State; Barr. Lucy B. Enakirerhi, Permanent Secretary, CRSPHCDA; Dr. Peter A. U., Permanent Secretary, Budget; Utsalo Carmeline, PC, ZIPLINE; a representative of the Ministry of Works; Directors, Heads of Programs, Health Workers; and other important members of the review committee
As of the time of this report, the meeting is ongoing, with participants demonstrating full engagement and focus, reflecting the shared commitment to advancing Cross River State’s health agenda. This initiative marks another significant step towards a robust and efficient healthcare system, ensuring that the people of Cross River State remain at the forefront of the government’s development plan.
