By Godwin Otang
After the death of a pregnant woman and her baby while in Labor at the General Hospital, Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, the State Ministry of Health has reassured citizens that the ministry will provide support and health services to the people.
In a press release signed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, on Sunday and made available to CrossRiverWatch, the Ministry expressed condolences to the deceased family and the entire Obanliku Nation.
The Ministry also said it “has directed the deployment of a medical officer, and other medical personnel to the facility,” after the woman had died without any form of healthcare or worker.
Video footage from the Obanliku General Hospital shows a large crowd of (men and women) at the health facility crying and mourning as the deceased was rolled on a bed to the morgue at the same facility, with the dead baby in between the legs of the corpse.
Residents decry the absence of medical personnel at the facility as well as the neglect of the area council by the government.
The release from the Ministry reads: “The Government of Cross River State regrets the unfortunate demise of a pregnant woman in labor at the General Hospital Obanliku on Tuesday 17th October 2023.
“This afternoon, I have called His Royal Majesty Amos Item the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku LGA to convey the condolences of His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, the Governor of Cross River State to the entire people of Obanliku LGA over this tragedy.
“I assured His Royal Majesty that the Government of Cross River State will continue to provide support services at the General Hospital and ensure that this situation never occurs again.
“I have also directed the deployment of a medical officer and other medical personnel to immediately report at the General Hospital to support medical services while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of this unfortunate incident.
“This is to assure all Cross Rivarrians that His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu will ensure that his Mantra of “People’s First” through the Health care sector is fulfilled as promised.”
