CALABAR– Cross River State Government has commenced the Modified Integrated Medical Outreach Program (I-MOP) across the 18 LGAs.
The I-MOP program which was flagged off at Calabar Municipality Local Council Headquarters by His Excellency, Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu, the Deputy Governor will cut across LGAs to strengthen primary health, reach the unreached and increase immunization rates in the State.
In his remarks, Prof Ivara Ejemot Esu noted that the I-MOP intervention will go a long way in strengthening and scaling up access to routine immunization and other primary healthcare services across board.
He added that the State Government under the Leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prof Ben Ayade is passionate about the health of every Cross Riverian and has put in place great Healthcare policies to provide free healthcare services at the grass root. I encourage citizens to utilize these services.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu described I-MOP as a program that will beam its search light on immunization, treatment of minor ailments, nutritional supplementation, counselling services, health talks on non-communicable diseases, like hypertension, cancer chronic kidney diseases, stroke and diabetes, amongst others.
She charged Health workers to go the extra mile to deliver free healthcare services to the unreached and underserved in communities.
Also speaking, the Director General of Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong who is the host called on rural citizens, particularly, mothers and caregivers to ensure that they take advantage of the M-IMOP and protect the health and future of their children.
She thanked the Governor, Prof Ben Ayade and every other partners who have provided support for the smooth kick off.
According to her, the program is aimed at developing a resilient and responsive primary healthcare system, to meet the needs of those at grass root.
The Chief Host and Mayor of Calabar, Elder (Hon) Effefiong Nta Eke said adequate healthcare for all is not for the privileged class alone as those who can’t afford it deserve care as well.
“I am glad that you have launched this programme in my Local Government Council to reach them and to assure them that the government cares. I will support and ensure that that program records 100% success in Calabar Municipality Council.
The Representative of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mrs Hadiza Jibril said universal immunisation coverage, complete interruption of poliovirus transmission, measles elimination and control of other vaccine-preventable diseases is not negotiable and as such will continue to give the States necessary support.
The highlight of the event was the administration of vitamin A and other routine immunization as well as delivery of commodities to eligible children by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Ejemot Esu, Secretary to State Government Bar Tina Agbor and other dignitaries present at the event.
