Coco-Bassey Esu|18 August 2017
As the CRSG continues to push for Universal Health Coverage, the State Commissioner for Health Dr. Inyang Asibong received about one thousand pieces of smartphones designed in collaboration with Fhi360 for health facilities in the State to ease communications between them.
The State Programme Manager for Fhi360, Dr Henry Ayuk who made the presentation hailed the State Government for the collaboration and said the idea to ease communication between health facilities will inturn result to better healthcare delivery system across board. Dr Ayuk also stated that Fhi360 will continue to collaborate with the Cross River State Government through the Ministry of Health as the State has over the years shown their willingness to cooperate with the provision of a conducive working environment.
In her remarks Dr Asibong expressed her satisfaction over the birth of another first in the annals of the State in bridging the communication gap between health facilities. She highlighted that its the first time there would be a toll free medium of communication between health facilities.
The smartphones have been programmed to make and receive calls, send SMSs and browse at no cost . The distribution has already begun with emphasis on the hinterlands and hard to reach communities.
In related news, the Honorable Commissioner received delegates from the Nigerian chapter of International Community of the Red Cross following their visit to the warring Wanihem and Wanikande communities in Yala. The delegates led by Dr. Bassey; Health Coordinator, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Cross River State branch, said the visit was to further strengthen the collaboration between both parties as they work together towards the reconstruction of damaged health facilities in the community and also keep abreast with all the activities in the Ministry as it concerns the Red Cross Society.
Dr Asibong who in her response expressed her delight at the swift response of the ICRC following the crisis. She assured of the continuous collaboration of the State Government with the ICRC for the revamp of the damaged health facilities and other community health interventions at large.
Coco-bassey Esu
Is a Health Reporter
