By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Calabar
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Kayode Egbetokun, has applauded Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State for his commitment to enhancing the IGP Kayode A. Egbetokun Clinic at MOPOL 11 in Calabar.
The facility, initiated by the former Commanding Officer of 11 PMF, DCP Dankwano Wilson (rtd), was officially commissioned in Calabar.
Dr Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone Six, Auwal Musa Mohammed, said the governor’s pledge to further equip and standardize the clinic was highly commendable.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for promising technical support and additional upgrades to the health centre.
“I particularly thank Governor Bassey Otu for assuring that they will support this facility with technical inputs and replicate this health model in other places. Their support will enable not only police personnel but the public to access quality health services,” he said.
The IGP urged police officers in charge of divisions, departments and commands across the country to create lasting legacies through humanitarian projects that benefit personnel and host communities.
He emphasized that his administration places premium on welfare and humanitarian support as part of efforts to improve policing standards nationwide.
He assured that more upgrades to facilities and infrastructure in police formations and barracks are underway, while commending officers who have initiated similar projects to enhance the image of the force.
“I must commend commanders and other officials who undertake welfare projects while in office. I encourage more officers to think about humanitarian initiatives so they can leave behind solid legacies,” he added.
Governor Otu, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Egbe Ayuk, said the state government would support modifications to the clinic to make it accessible to the public.
He noted that health personnel from the state would regularly visit the facility to ensure effective service delivery.
“Government will integrate basic healthcare services and provide other technical support. We will upgrade the children, male and female wards, as well as the laboratory,” he assured.
Dr Ayuk commended the police for the initiative and welcomed the model which allows the police force to bear 50 per cent of medical costs while patients pay the balance.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Boniface Miyakilo, who succeeded DCP Wilson as Commanding Officer of 11 PMF, confirmed that the shared cost arrangement would ease access to treatment.
He said the clinic’s completion was made possible with support from public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies.
According to him, “The clinic is the brainchild of my predecessor. Its conceptualisation came from the need to bring medical services closer to MOPOL 11 personnel, their families, and the surrounding communities.”