Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, emphasized the importance of health in societal development, stating that neglecting public health could undermine any development efforts.
“Health is paramount for productivity and contributing to state development,” Governor Fubara said during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, including its National President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
He noted that his administration is focused on revitalizing the state’s struggling health sector, particularly the secondary healthcare facilities which have been underperforming.
During the meeting, Governor Fubara also confirmed the appointment of Prof. Chizindu Alikor as the Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
The announcement was part of a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chulwudi, and shared with the press.
The statement read, “The Governor and his team cannot succeed without your support. That is the truth, and any government that has the interest of its people at heart must pay adequate attention to the provision of quality healthcare services.
“Healthcare goes with development. That is the truth. Your workers need to be healthy to be productive. If you put everything in place and you don’t have good health, then your people will be under-productive.”
Fubara said that as an administration that means well for the people, it was solving the plethora of issues inherited in the health sector without making noise about it.
He explained that health facilities, particularly those that provide intermediary services were being rebuilt and strengthened, and zonal hospitals would be revived while the personnel are adequately being motivated because they are critical partners in government.
“I don’t think when you do what you’re supposed to do, you need to be commended. It is not proper. The government must care for its workers and that is what I’ve done.
“I will put it this way: I want to appreciate the NMA – both national and state chapters – for your support, your patience. I know it wasn’t easy, it has never been easy for them even with what we have done, it’s still not sufficient. We need to do more.
“I want to thank you for your support, and we, on our part, will continue to do our best to ensure that, at least, the relationship between us does not go bad,” the Governor said.
In his speech, the National President, NMA, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, said he led the delegation to thank the Governor for what he has done to better the lot of medical personnel in Rivers State.
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