The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board has ended a one day review meeting of the body.
The meeting was held recently at Legacy Hall, Sani Abacha Road in Port Harcourt.
Addressing participants at the meeting, the chairman of the Board Dr. Uriah S. Etawu said there are 250 health centres they are working with in Rivers State, out of which four lack medical doctors and some key health workers.
He stated that however the Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has approved the employment of some workers.
The Board Chairman however regretted the non-compliance of some of the centres by refusing to open two bank accounts as stipulated by the Board, saying the Board will take drastic action against those who refused to comply with the directive.
Dr. Etawu reminded participants that the board has the power to hire and fire and charged them to obey the rules, while promising that medical doctors will be monitored to know those on duty.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Claribel Abam stated the importance of medical records in each of the 23 LGAs in Rivers State. She urged the medical doctors in charge to always cross-check their data properly before sending out, saying that data should reflect the real situation on ground.
The Executive Secretary stated that it is imperative for all to work and show evidence in case they need more money from the governor.
She tasked participants to proffer solution during the meeting for the board to move forward.
In her paper presentation, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Medical Statistics, Dr. Lawson identified gap on health issues in the state. She admonished medical doctors on poor quality data which he said can hinder the health needs of the people.
Dr. T. Lawson descried some LGAs where he said no case of immunization was recorded, while the data on malaria was not correctly documented. She urged those in charge of facility to always attach data to resource allocation.
Earlier in her presentation, Dr. N. P. Offor who is now the permanent secretary of medical services and the out-going Director of Medical Services gave the overview of the 2012 report.
Dr. Offor said her presentation was central to the various departments of Board, as it relates to supportive supervision, workshop and training.
The out going Director of Medical Services also presented report from the various LGAs, especially on immunization. She identified poor supervision as one of the challenges at the LGA level.
Dr. Offor stated that for the Board to achieve maximum result, monitoring and evaluation must be the key.
She advised those operating functional health centres but haves no account to open same immediately. Some of the diseases mentioned include malaria, HIV/AIDS, hay fever among others.
Dr. Offor said some of the best practices include home based care, regular supportive supervision and regular review meeting.
The names of some of the directors who contributed talks on the importance of updated nominal roll for staff posting, authentic number of staff, and dress code for pharmacy technicians were mentioned.
Highlights of the event were the award of the best performing LGA in primary health which went to Bonny LG.
Best performing medical officer in 2012, Dr. Obelly Abey and best medical officer 2012 went to Dr. Prince Abueh.
Some of the Medical doctors who spoke to journalists like Dr. Nubari Nabie advised government to motivate staff in the rural areas. Dr. Nabie said some roads to facilities are bad which can hinder quick access to health care, while urging government to have one pay point for the health workers.
Also speaking to journalists at the event, the Supervisory Councilor for Health Bonny LGA, Hon. Adesigha Halliday who won the best LGA award, thanked his chairman for giving him the opportunity. Hon. Halliday attributed the victory to regularity, motivation, proper supervision and being on top of health issues in the area.
Adding his voice, the Supervisor for Health in Adoni LGA Hon. Sampson Egop stated the government is trying, indicative and that they have good intention for the growth of health in the LGA.
He said there is need for the government to provide more health services to the people at the grassroot.
Dr. Abueh Prince had earlier thanked the board for honouring him. ####
Pius Dukor
