We Have Repositioned Health Sector, Says Wike

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has stated that his administration has repositioned the healthcare sector for the development of the state.

Speaking during the inauguration of the state Primary Healthcare Board Complex Monday, Wike announced that his administration has transferred local government primary healthcare workers to the state Primary Healthcare Board.

He also announced the renaming of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board Complex to Chief PG Warmate House.

He said: “We are here to reassure our people that we care for you. All promises we made, will be fulfilled by the administration.”

Responding to the criticism by the opposition over the reconstruction of major state assets, the governor said the administration was still fixing the facilities because they were left to rot by the immediate past administration.

“The healthcare sector has received sufficient attention from my administration. It is only second to the Ministry of Works,” he said.

He announced a one-week ultimatum for parks operating near the complex to relocate in the interest of the public.

The state Health Commissioner, Prof. Chike Princewill, said the edifice was conceived and built by the Wike administration in order to provide a decent office accommodation for the effective management of primary healthcare in the state.

The commissioner said by the construction of the building, primary healthcare services would be operated under one roof.

“These enumerated achievements will not have been possible without the political commitment of the Rivers State Governor. He is equitably distributing health having understood that a healthy people beget a wealthy population,” Princewill said.

Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State, Dr Datonye Alasia, said this is a golden era for healthcare delivery in the state. The governor has strategically addressed all tiers of healthcare delivery.

He said the Wike administration has ensured that the state entered the golden era of the health sector.

The Chief Field Services Coordinator of UNICEF Annfreda Kisesa-Mkusa said the organisation would partner with the state government for quality healthcare delivery.