Abah Felicity 
CALABAR, Nigeria – The Cross River State Government has assured residents of Yakurr Local Government Area that General Hospital, Ugep, is safe and fully prepared to host the 10th Wife of the Governor’s Medical Outreach, urging the public to ignore rumours of insecurity.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, gave the assurance during an inspection of the hospital ahead of the free medical programme scheduled to hold from August 9 to 15, 2026.
Ayuk dismissed reports of communal unrest, saying available security assessments do not support claims of conflict in the area.
“I have received security reports which do not confirm any conflict. We have a facility here that is meant to serve the people of Yakurr, and they should come and access services without being threatened by fears of community conflict,” he said.
He described the outreach as a humanitarian initiative that will provide free specialist consultations, laboratory investigations, surgeries and other essential medical services to residents.
The commissioner warned against spreading misinformation capable of creating unnecessary panic and discouraging residents from accessing healthcare.
Ayuk reaffirmed Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery through interventions targeting vulnerable populations across the state.
Also speaking, the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Stephen Agbor, said preparations had been completed for the outreach, which will offer free surgeries, prescription medicines, eye care, dental treatment and paediatric healthcare.
He noted that previous editions attracted beneficiaries from several states, including Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, because of the quality of medical services provided.
The Medical Superintendent of General Hospital, Ugep, Dr. Enya Ideba, said the hospital had addressed previous operational challenges and was fully prepared to accommodate the expected influx of patients throughout the exercise.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Korede Abdullah