Health Workers’ Strike: Doctors Demand Urgent Attention,

Doctors under the ae
gis of National Association of Government Medical and Dental Practitioners Rivers State Chapter, have called on the state government to urgently address health workers plight or have the services of doctors withdrawn.
The president of the association Dr. Sofiri Peterside, gave the indication in a briefing with pressmen Monday in Port Harcourt.
He said the 11 months strike of the health workers in the state have doubled work load for doctors.
Peterside said the absence of laboratory scientists pharmaceutical and other primary health workers have actually made doctors duties more challenging.
According to him, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests 200 patients to one doctor, whereas in the state the equation is 500 patients to one doctor.
He also demanded a friendly working environment for his members, while kicking against kidnap of doctors and health workers.
The medical practioner, also frowned against what he described as molestation from the members of the public, saying that doctors only provide services and  not facilities.
He was of the view that the items for free medical care come from the government and doctors should be left untouched if such services are ceased.
Peterside boasted that they have premium for their services in the area of delivery and dignity.
Work pressure, he said would be reduced as soon as the health workers strike are suspended, hence the need for the government to intervene promptly.
Peterside further intimated the state government to ensure the provision of record book keepers, laboratory workers and others in order to reduce work load on doctors.
While acknowledging the impossibility of a doctor to over see patients for 24 hours, he requested for more man power in the health-sector in a bid to enhance quality service delivery.