The River State Government has called on the media for close partnership in its quest to build a functional health system.
Commissioner for Health Dr. Tamunoiyoriari Parker made this call while speaking with news men in Port Harcourt. Dr. Parker reiterated that the Governor Amaechi led Administration is not merely building Primary Health Care Centres as peddled by critics but he is doing so because it is the foundation of healthcare.
The Commissioner emphasized that health care revolves round the people so everyone must be responsible for his health by sourcing for information on immunization, ante natal care, and to keep surroundings clean, clearing drainages and the bushes around in order to get rid of mosquitoes, the vector of the malaria parasite.
He explained that the value of newsmen cannot be over emphasized adding that partnership with the media is very important to educate the people on the measures to follow to make them stay healthy.
Reacting to reports on fake anti malaria drugs, the Commissioner said the Government is proactive in tacking the menace and explained that apart from setting up a Task Force on fake and counterfeit drugs to arrest and prosecute offenders, the State government has also procured its own branded malaria drugs with the Governor’s photograph which is given free of charge to patients in Government’s health facilities.
The Commissioner said, Highlight of the occasion was the wreath laying ceremony by the acting chairman, assisted by the Deputy leader of the Akuku- Toru Legislative Assembly Mr. Igobo Albert, and heads of all security outfit present at the function.
Private practitioners are also encouraged to register and get the drugs from the government central medical stores, adding that the drugs have the inscription property of the Rivers State Government tagged not for sale. ####
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