News
Experts Seek PPP To Boost Healthcare Delivery …Urge More Govt Investment In Infrastructure
Experts in the health sector have advocated strategic public private partnership (PPP) to boost healthcare delivery in the country and curb incidence of medical tourism abroad as well as capital flight.
The stakeholders agreed that clear synergy between medical practitioners in the public and private sectors will bridge the yawning gap in healthcare delivery value chain, insisting that adequate roads, constant power supply, enduring security, good water and sanitation systems, among others, would enhance access to quality healthcare services in the country.
The medical professionals from both public and private sectors spoke at a Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Forum to mark 2017 World Spinal Cord Injury Day, with the theme, “Yes We Can”, at Zitadel Medicals and Diagnostics Limited, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
Consultant Neurosurgeon at Zitadel Medicals and Diagnostics Limited, Abuja, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, said the event was focused on efforts to remove obstacles in the way and ensure that spinal cord injury patients get early treatment, care and support to prevent the chances of deaths from road accidents and other emergencies which trigger spinal cord injuries.
The spine and brain surgeon listed obstacles to include lack of SCI rehabilitation centre, physical and physiotherapy care, reliable statistics for SCI cases, proper management of SCI at accident scenes, poor sensitization and awareness, among others.
He added the global focus was an initiative of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) aimed at promoting disability inclusion throughout the world, noting that the collaboration between Zitadel Medicals and Diagnostics and other health facilities in the state was to ensure the creation of sufficient awareness on the rights steps to manage and care for SCI victims.
Ogungbo advocated total prevention from spinal cord injuries by ensuring safe driving habits, preventing falls from heights, taking of precautions when playing sports, among others.
Chairman, National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Dr Peterside Sofiri canvassed for concerted management of spinal cord injury patients by governments, specialists and caregivers to reduce deaths resulting from road accidents and other death-threatening emergencies.
According to him, “Prevention is better than cure but in fact, where a spinal cord injury is concerned, prevention is cure. We are asking for an enabling environment to ensure we have Indian hospitals in Nigeria by putting basic amenities such good roads, uninterrupted power supply, sustainable peace and security, in place.”
Sofiri, who is also president, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Down Town, appealed to governments at all levels to provide subsidized equipment to help in the treatment, care and support for SCI patients, saying that “The high spate of medical tourism abroad can be reversed if people in authority do the needful by providing the enabling environment for individuals and organizations to contribute their quota in the healthcare sector”.
Also speaking, Consultant Orthopeadic Surgeon, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Dr Eyimina Phillip enumerated the procedure for identifying and providing emergency treatment to spinal cord injury victims, advising that special care needed to be taken to ensure patients’ situations are managed with care to avoid unnecessary deaths.
He stressed the importance of partnerships between public and private sector practitioners in managing issues in the healthcare system, saying that when medical practitioners in both sectors work together, better healthcare services would be achieved for the benefit of society.
Physiotherapist, Optimal Health Centre, Okafor Chukwuebuka said the awareness campaign was necessary to help bridge rising gap in emergency response time in the healthcare delivery, especially with regard to the needs of spinal cord injury victims, and expressed the hope that the event will facilitate an inclusive platform for persons with disability, accident and gun-shot patients, among others.
Chukwuebuka, who is also a consultant, Zitadel Medicals and Diagnostics in Port Harcourt, further listed initial treatment and stabilization procedures, including physical and occupational therapy and assistive devices for SCI patients as vital elements, adding that the rehabilitation and reintegration phase of victims were critical in sustaining recovery.
In her remarks, Chief Physiotherapist at UPTH, Dr Blessing Nkiruka Jonathan decried the dearth of adequate working tools and equipment at most public hospitals as well as lack of incentives for competent medical personnel, and advocated for unrestrained collaboration between the public health institutions and private health facilities with modern equipment and working environment to ensure better healthcare delivery services in the state.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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