By Ani Bassey
The Cross River State government and the Red Cross have forged a partnership to provide free healthcare to some Cameroonian refugees presently seeking succor in the state.

As part of the partnership about 300 Cameroonian refugees who have fled their country due to the Ambazonian have benefited from the scheme.

Besides the refugees, some members of the host community in Calabar South also benefitted from the exercise.

The exercise was part of the 2021 World Red Cross Day Celebration.

Health services offered as part of the partnership ranged from blood sugar level check, optometry, blood pressure check, dental services, mental health services Among others.

Speaking to beneficiaries at the newly constructed Primary Healthcare Centre, Garden, the Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Janet Ekpenyong urged them to make health facilities their first point of call during medical emergencies instead of the practice of self-medication.

She encouraged them to observe simple etiquettes of good living which include, eating good and balanced diets, observing the appropriate amount of rest daily, regular health check-ups, and the maintenance of good and personal hygiene.

She thanked the Nigerian Red Cross Society for partnering with the state Government in order to take health services closer to the doorsteps of indigenes and residents of Cross River State.

She further noted that the Government of Senator Ben Ayade is committed to ensuring that, everyone receives quality, and Effective Healthcare at the most affordable rate if any.

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An official of the Nigerian Red Cross Society said the organization is pleased with the state Government’s response to the general health of the people and it’s magnanimity towards the refugees.

Thelma Evom, one of the beneficiaries thanked the state government for the safety and peace they now enjoy without discrimination.

She applauded the initiative of the Nigerian Red to partner with the state government in offering free and voluntary health care services to the people.