Amaechi Wants Doctors To Participate In Politics

Medical practitioners in Rivers State, have been urged to play active roles in politics so as to positively influence health policies in the country.

The Rivers State Governor, Rt  Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, gave the charge in his address at the dinner/awards night to end the 2012 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA),in Port Harcourt.

Governor Amaechi, who spoke through the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tamunoiyoriari Parker, stated that it was important for doctors to take part in policy making in the country, explaining that such participation would help forge a closer cooperation between the doctors and government for developmental advancement of the society.

In his address, the outgoing chairman of the Association, Dr Bonas Harry commended the governor, “for touching the lives of Rivers people in all aspects of human endeavour through intersectoral development with the ultimate aim of realising a healthy and fulfilled citizenry, which is the encompassing definition of health”.

Dr Harry also thanked the governor for improving the pay of doctors, thereby making the discharge of their duties easy, and assured that they would remain committed to their duties.

In his remarks, one of the award recipients,  Senator Magnus Abe, described medical doctors as key stakeholders in the society, and thanked the NMA for the honour done him. Abe promised to continue to support the growth of the association in the state.

On his part, the chairman of the occasion, Dr T.S.T. Toby commended the association for maintaining the peace and unity among members and charged them to continue in that stead.

Also speaking, the new NMA chairman, Dr Ibitorokoemi Korubo, pledged his commitment to sustaining the existing cordial relationship between the association and government.

Tonye Nria-Dappa