The Rivers State Government has emphasized that there are free medical services available to all residents of the State.
This was made known to journalists by the Permanent Secretary of Health, Rivers State, Dr. Somiari Isaac Harry, who represented the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sampson Parker on a health sensitization programme tagged “Preview Free Medical Meeting” on Friday in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Rivers State Free Medical programme is free, but must be registered with two passport photographs, a letter of identification from either a councilor of the person’s ward or chairman of the person’s LGA with evidenced of payment utility, identifying that the person resides in Rivers State.
He disclosed that all medical cases are freely handled.
According to him, there are challenges facing the health personnel while trying to make the programme work at it best.
There are breaking down of vehicle while going for emergency cases, robbering attack, drugs not arriving at medical centres on time and urged members of the public to join hands to make the programme work.
On her part, Dr. N. P. Ofor, Permanent Secretary, State Free Medical Programme said the programme was organized to interact with the rural populace so as to find solutions to the challenges they encounter on the free medical programme.
She further disclosed that there are 183 free medical centres available with 9 private hospitals, stressing that doctors are supposed to reside where accommodation facilities are provided at the free medical centres, pointing out that no money is charged on the programme, if there is any the public should lodge a report to the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health and the case will be investigated. ###
Allanso Jonathan Allanso
