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A total of 200 residents of Bendeghe Ekiem in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State have benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, in honour of his late mother, Madam Maria Okongor Asu Ayuk, as part of activities marking her funeral. The medical outreach, held on October 30, 2026, provided free consultations, laboratory investigations, health education and essential medications to members of the community, turning a moment of family mourning into an opportunity to give back to the people of Bendeghe Ekiem.
Speaking on the motivation behind the intervention, Dr. Ayuk said the outreach was a mark of respect and appreciation for his late mother, whose sacrifices, encouragement and unwavering support were instrumental to his education as a medical practitioner and the achievements he had recorded in life. He explained that his mother’s contribution to his upbringing and personal development had shaped his journey, making it important to honour her memory through an intervention that would positively impact lives, particularly by bringing essential healthcare services closer to people in her community.
According to him, dedicating the medical outreach to her memory was a meaningful way of expressing gratitude for the sacrifices she made and the opportunities her support had made possible, while extending the benefits of healthcare to others. The intervention reached 200 beneficiaries, comprising 75 males, 95 females and 30 children, who received medical attention and free medications following consultations and clinical assessments by the health professionals deployed for the exercise. The medical team provided several essential services, including blood pressure monitoring, body weight assessment, family planning services, health education and general medical consultations.
Laboratory screenings were also conducted for malaria, HIV, hepatitis and random blood sugar to help identify possible health conditions requiring medical attention. Following clinical evaluations, beneficiaries received free therapeutic medications, including antimalarials, antibiotics, antihypertensive drugs, diabetic medications, analgesics, deworming treatments and essential multivitamins for adults and children. The outreach was executed under the leadership of Dr.
Paul Odey and Dr. Joseph Bassey, with the support of dedicated health professionals and frontline clinical personnel whose coordinated efforts ensured the delivery of the various medical services to the beneficiaries. Beyond providing immediate medical assistance, the exercise also promoted preventive healthcare, encouraged early detection of health conditions and raised awareness about the importance of regular medical checks, particularly among residents with limited access to healthcare services.
Madam Ayuk, who died at the age of 92, was buried on Saturday at her family compound, Asu Erem House, Njim Emeh, Bendeghe Ekiem, amid celebrations of her life, contributions and enduring legacy. By Kingsley Agim
Source: Cross River State News
