The Cross River State Government has announced the restoration of critical molecular laboratory services at Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital in Calabar, formerly known as the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH). This revival restores the facility's capacity to conduct testing and surveillance for tuberculosis, HIV, Mpox, and other infectious disease outbreaks, years after the devastation caused by the EndSARS protests.
Commissioner's Inspection Tour
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, disclosed this on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the hospital alongside journalists in Calabar. Ayuk stated that the molecular laboratory, which serves as one of the state's key public health surveillance centres, has resumed most of its essential functions following rehabilitation efforts supported by the state government and development partners.
Testing Capabilities Restored
According to him, the facility now conducts molecular testing for tuberculosis, HIV, and Mpox while retaining the capacity to support surveillance and response efforts for emerging public health threats. “This place is arranged to address issues of TB, HIV and other outbreaks. Mpox, Lassa fever and even Ebola-related surveillance can be handled here. Most of the essential services have now been restored,” he said.
The commissioner explained that although the facility suffered extensive damage during the EndSARS unrest, significant progress has been made in rebuilding critical infrastructure and restoring laboratory operations. He noted that the laboratory plays a strategic role in disease diagnosis, surveillance and outbreak response, particularly for tuberculosis and HIV programmes that depend heavily on molecular diagnostic services.
Future Plans and Upgrades
Ayuk said the state government was working with development partners and pursuing additional public-private partnerships to fully optimise the facility and expand healthcare services within the hospital. He disclosed that plans were underway to further upgrade the hospital as part of the Governor Bassey Otu administration’s broader healthcare revitalisation programme.
The commissioner stated that while Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital was originally established as an infectious disease facility, it has now expanded its services to include antenatal care, surgical procedures, general outpatient services and inpatient care. He maintained that the restoration of the molecular laboratory underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening disease surveillance, improving healthcare delivery and enhancing emergency preparedness across the state.
Historical Significance
Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital remains one of Nigeria’s recognised centres for the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis and has historically served as a key referral facility for infectious disease management in Cross River State and beyond. Ayuk expressed confidence that ongoing rehabilitation efforts would further improve the hospital’s capacity to provide specialised healthcare services and respond effectively to public health emergencies in the state.
Laboratory Manager's Assessment
Laboratory Manager, Mrs. Roseanne Edu Bassey, said the facility had resumed testing activities but still required further optimisation to attain its pre-EndSARS operational capacity. She described the destruction caused by the unrest as massive, noting that virtually all equipment, wiring systems and laboratory infrastructure were vandalised.
“Everything was brought down apart from the walls. We are gradually rebuilding. For now, I would rate the level of restoration between 60 and 70 per cent, but we are still expecting further optimisation,” she said. Bassey added that the laboratory currently conducts tuberculosis testing, early infant diagnosis for HIV-exposed children and other public health assays within a secured molecular testing environment.
