The Executive Council of the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (ARD-UCTH) has paid a courtesy visit to the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk (PhD), as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with the state government and seek support for the forthcoming Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 in Calabar.
The delegation, led by the President of ARD-UCTH, Dr Ofem Ofem, visited the Commissioner at his office on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between ARD-UCTH and the Cross River State Ministry of Health, appreciating the Commissioner for his contributions to the state’s health sector, and formally seeking support for the successful hosting of the NARD AGM 2026.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for the doctors to engage the Commissioner on key developments in healthcare delivery, workforce welfare and health-sector reforms under his leadership.
ARD-UCTH Commends Cross River Health Sector Developments
Speaking during the visit, ARD-UCTH President, Dr Ofem Ofem, appreciated Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk for receiving the delegation and acknowledged what the Association described as positive developments in the state’s health sector.
He highlighted progress in three major areas: welfare and workforce development, healthcare legislation and service delivery, and the security of healthcare workers.
Improved Welfare and Workforce Development
The Association acknowledged the implementation and sustenance of the 100 per cent revised CONMESS salary scalefor doctors in the Cross River State Civil Service.
Dr Ofem also highlighted the approval for the recruitment of 40 doctors, including 10 consultants, into the State Civil Service, noting that recruitment efforts are currently underway.
Another major development acknowledged by the Association was the extension of the retirement age for doctors and health workers from 60 to 65 years, effective August 1, 2026, as contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Cross River State.
According to the Association, the measures represent important steps towards improving healthcare workers’ welfare, retention and workforce capacity in the state.
Healthcare Legislation and Service Delivery
The ARD-UCTH delegation also commended developments in healthcare governance and service delivery.
Among the issues highlighted was the establishment of the Cross River State Hospital Management Board, which has been signed into law.
The Association also acknowledged the passage of the Medical Quackery (Prohibition) Bill by the 10th Cross River State House of Assembly.
The establishment of the State Drug Management Agency, which has also been signed into law, was equally highlighted.
Dr Ofem further noted the ongoing enhancement of public hospitals at the primary and secondary healthcare levels, as well as the submission of a proposal for the establishment of a state-owned specialist hospital to support postgraduate medical training and internship.
ARD-UCTH Highlights Security of Healthcare Workers
The security of doctors and other healthcare workers was another key issue discussed during the meeting.
The Association acknowledged strengthened collaboration between the Cross River State Government and security agencies towards improving security across the state.
Dr Ofem noted improvements in the safety of doctors and appreciated the state government for its efforts in protecting healthcare workers.
NARD AGM 2026 to Hold in Calabar
The ARD-UCTH President subsequently informed the Commissioner about the forthcoming NARD Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026, scheduled to take place in Calabar from September 21 to 26, 2026.
The event is expected to bring resident doctors from different parts of Nigeria to Cross River State.
Considering the significance of the national medical gathering, Dr Ofem requested the support of the Commissioner and the Ministry of Health towards ensuring a successful and memorable NARD AGM in Calabar.
Health Commissioner Pledges Support for NARD AGM
Responding, Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, appreciated the ARD-UCTH delegation for the courtesy visit and recognised the support and cooperation provided by health-sector unions in advancing healthcare delivery in Cross River State.
He emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between the Ministry of Health and health-sector unions, noting that constructive engagement remains essential to improving the state’s healthcare system.
The Commissioner pledged his support for the successful hosting of the forthcoming NARD AGM in Calabar and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the development of the health sector.
ARD-UCTH Presents Award of Recognition
As part of the visit, the ARD-UCTH President presented an Award of Recognition for Service to Commissioner Henry Egbe Ayuk.
The award was presented in recognition of his contributions, support and commitment to the health sector.
Dr Ofem expressed the Association’s appreciation for the Commissioner’s support and assured him of ARD-UCTH’s continued cooperation whenever required.
ARD-UCTH Delegation
The delegation was led by President Dr Ofem Ofem and included:
- Dr Eno Morphy – Vice President, ARD-UCTH
- Dr Kingsley Essien – General Secretary, ARD-UCTH
- Dr Ndoma Lifu – Welfare Officer, ARD-UCTH
- Dr Grace Obo – Treasurer, ARD-UCTH
- Dr Godwin Anake – Chairman, ARD-UCTH T-DROP Committee 2026
- Dr Effiom Okon – Assistant General Secretary, ARD-UCTH
Strengthening Healthcare Collaboration in Cross River
The courtesy visit provided an avenue for ARD-UCTH and the Cross River State Ministry of Health to strengthen their engagement, discuss issues affecting healthcare workers and service delivery, acknowledge developments in the health sector and seek government support for the NARD AGM 2026.
ARD-UCTH reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders in the interest of its members and the wider healthcare system.
Together, the Association continues to advocate, engage and build.
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