News
RSG Boosts Health Care Delivery
The Rivers State Government has opened-up the healthcare sector to the world as part of its bid to ensure healthcare delivery to its citizenry.
The State Health Commissioner, Dr Sampson Parker disclosed this while speaking during the inauguration of the Rivers State Public Private Mix Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) Steering Committee on Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Dr Parker explained that the decision to open up the health sector to the world was to ensure that the best hands in medicare are recruited to provide quality health care delivery to the Rivers people irrespective of their nationality, state or creed.
He disclosed that although the State Tuberculosis and leprosy control programme has recorded tremendous achievements, the targets set by the national programme of detecting 70 per cent of the smear-positive cases and treating at least 85 per cent of them can only be achieved if all healthcare providers in TB control at all levels are well coordinated.
The Health boss further stated that reducing the prevalence and mortality rate of Tuberculosis by the year 2015 as part of the Millennium Development Goals will only be achieved if all DOTS centres are effectively managed by the health care providers.
Earlier, Dr Michael Jose, the Zonal World Health Organisation (WHO) Coordinator commended the Rivers State Government for its commitments in provision of health services that are pro-poor and targeted at the vulnerable and neglected in the society.
According to him, Nigeria has the highest TB burden in Africa and the 4th amongst the highest, worldwide.
The terms of reference given to the committee, include; to provide strategic and policy recommendation on public private mix DOTS implementation to the State tuberculosis and leprosy control programme in line with the national programs, and to identify roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders towards a successful PPM DOTS implementation in the State.
Others are to support the State Tuberculosis/Leprosy Control Programme in the coordination of implementation of PPM DOTS, to carryout advocacy to policy makers for smooth implementation of PPM DOTS as well as to periodically review strategic plan of PPM DOTS implementation in the State, identify challenges and proffer solution to the State Tuberculosis/Leprosy Control Programme.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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