In a bold step to tackle the problem of poor access to health facilities in remote riverine communities of the state, the Rivers State Government is set to acquire about 15 marine ambulances.
Special Assistant to the State Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Hon. Desire Bob-Manuel, who dropped the hint at the public bidding for Health Centres equipment by various contractors assured that the ambulances would boost health accessibility by the populace.
The purchase of the ambulances is to be made through the Conditional Grant Scheme (CGS), a special fund made available by Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to about 33 states of the nation.
Aside the ambulances, the MDGs fund would help procure medical facilities in the various approved health centres across the state.
Special Adviser on MDGs in Rivers State while addressing over 90 contractors who bidded for job to supply equipment for the health centres assured that the agency would vet through the applications properly.
Hon. Bob-Manuel said contractors who have exceeded the normal biding by 85 per cent would not be selected, including those that exceeded the cost by 10-20 per cent.
Later in a chat with pressmen, representative of the Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Mr. Jenifa Gillis-Harry expressed satisfaction with the exercise, as it was transparent and open.
Mr. Gillis-Harry stated that all the states that have viable proposals would receive the funds, stating that MDGs are crucial in raising the plight of the common man.
He equally challenged the populace to partake in monitoring and providing support to ensure that the MDGs are met as it would check poverty and improve governance.
Meanwhile, contractors who bidded for the procurement of medical related equipment in the various health centres in the state have expressed satisfaction in the way and manner in which the bidding process was conducted.