Director Explains Transport Fare Scheme

The Rivers State Government, has explained that the transport fare scheme in the Universal Free and Medical Plus Policy of the state, was aimed at encouraging bonafide residents of the state make proper use of the primary healthcare facilities scattered across the state.

Director, Public Health, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Akuro Okujagu, gave this explanation at an IPAS forum in Port Harcourt.

According to him, only pregnant women who use the primary health centres, would benefit from the scheme, which he said would amount to N25,000.

Dr Okajagu further explained that the woman must be living in Rivers State and must attend clinic for a stipulated number of times.

He said, “the only process that would qualify a mother is that she must attend clinic if you are expected to make four visits, you must make your four visits, you have your delivery their.

He lamented that inspite of government’s efforts to make healthcare accessible and affordable, people still patronise prayer houses and “chemists”, only to go to hospitals when there is complication and advised against that.

Tonye Nria-Dappa