Not less than fifty-four healthcare workers in Cross River are to be sanctioned over alleged extortion of money from the patients in different primary healthcare facilities across the state. Dr Betta Edu, the Director-General, Cross River Primary Healthcare Development Agency, made this known on Friday n Calabar.

Edu told Newsmen that the agency had set up a disciplinary committee to look into the petition, including absenteeism and gross misconduct of members of staff.

She added that the committee would also checkmate the workers and punish the offenders with a view to serve as a deterrent to others.

Edu, who did not disclose the category of sanctions for the erring workers, warned them to shun all forms of sharp practices.

The director-general said the agency was looking into improving the integrated supportive supervision for members of staff with a view to ensuring that primary healthcare facilities were open for service accordingly.

She advised residents in the rural communities to always report any erring health worker, who demand money from them for health services. Edu said that medical service delivery at the primary healthcare level was completely free.