The Director General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, on Thursday paid a compassionate visit to victims of the recent gas explosion in the Edibe-Edibe area of Calabar South Local Government Area.
The tragic incident, which left dozens of residents injured, has drawn swift medical intervention from health facilities across the state. As part of the government’s continued commitment to citizen welfare, Dr. Otu visited patients receiving treatment at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and the Casualty Unit of the General Hospital Calabar.
At General Hospital Calabar, the delegation was received by Dr. Etim E. Ayi, a plastic surgeon currently managing several burn cases resulting from the explosion. Dr. Ayi conducted the Director General around the wards and provided detailed updates on the condition of the patients, as well as ongoing treatment efforts.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Otu expressed deep concern over the incident and commended healthcare workers for their prompt and dedicated response in attending to the victims. She emphasized the importance of sustained medical care and psychosocial support for those affected.
In her interaction with patients, the Director General offered words of encouragement and reassured them of the state government’s continued support throughout their recovery. She also presented relief items to the victims as a gesture of empathy and solidarity.
Some of the patients expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as uplifting and a significant morale boost during a difficult period.
