Nation
Bwari Residents Seek Affordable Healthcare Services
A cross-section of the residents of Bwari Area Council in the FCT, Abuja has appealed to government at all levels to make healthcare services affordable in rural communities.
The people made the appeal on Monday in separate interviews with The Tide’s source in Bwari, Abuja.
They argued that affordable healthcare for rural dwellers would help to encourage the people to patronise health facilities when they fall sick.
A security man, Mr Johnathan Awayi, said that many families in the rural parts of the counci were finding it difficult to access health services because of cost.
Awayi further said that many had lost their loved ones “because their relatives could not afford high medical bills” charged to treat serious ailments.
According to him, serious health challenges are also beyond the capacity of the primary health centers situated in the communities.
“When you visit a health center close to you, thinking your problem is malaria or typhoid and they run tests and find out it is more than that they refer you to a bigger hospital.
“Sometimes, even the transportation to the hospital becomes a problem.
“Moreover, when you get there, they subject you to more tests, which costs more money.
“It is even worse, when you are admitted because the cost of admission per night in a general hospital here is not what a rural dweller can afford”, Awayi said.
He further said some people return home to their fate once they have a referral to another hospital for a broader check on their health status and at the end of the day, they die without medical attention.
“Some cannot even afford to pay for routine tests or minor surgeries in government-owned hospitals, let alone the private ones.
“Things are really hard now so government and private hospitals should help the rural dwellers by subsidising the cost of medicare for them”, Awayi said.
Also, a house wife and mother of four, Madam Esther Jonah, said that she lost her baby because she could not afford to pay for incubator, when she had a premature delivery.
Jonah said, “My husband is a labourer, who earns daily income and has no savings to cater for such an emergency, when it happened”.
She also frowned at the “insultive attitude” of some health workers towards the poor and vulnerable at public health fscilities.
“The attitude of some of these health workers is barbaric and make some sick persons to go home out of frustration”, she said.
Jonah admonished health workers to show sympathy and empathy to the sick rather them mock them.
“The attitude of health workers matter a lot.
“They need reorientation on how to relate with patients battling with severe health cases”, she said, adding that “some of them, especially the women, can be inconsiderate and unreasonable.
“At least, even if someone cannot afford something, don’t rub it on their faces.
“Instead, find a means of helping them and not make them regret coming to the clinic”, she said.
Mr Yakubu Sabo said subsidising the cost of health care, including child delivery, would help to address child and maternal mortality in rural communities.
Sabo said: “I know some of us in the rural area need to be educated on family planning for birth control because we cannot afford the cost that comes with delivery sometime.
“However, in cases where the unplanned happens, I plead for assistance from the health providers.
“Let’s not be tired in doing good. Nothing is easy and I don’t pray for anyone to go to the hospital for anything now, I advise everyone to watch their lifestyle”, he said.
A health worker in Sabon-Gari area of the district, Mrs Deborah Gwazah, blamed some of the challenges in the healthcare services at the community level on the lack of sufficient medical personnel and facilities.
Reacting to the issue, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr John Gabaya, reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to continue to provide improved healthcare services in all the communities in the area.
Gabaya said in 2022, his administration organised a free medical outreach for the people of the area in line with the council’s mandate.
He also said that his administration implemented various vaccination campaigns, maternal, newborn and child health programmes across the district.
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
Nation
Opobo Elder Statesman Lauds Fubara’s Christmas Bonus to Civil Servants …Celebrates Recognition As Public Office Holder of the Year 2024
The Chairman of Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim, Alabo Edwin Cockeye-Brown, has expressed appreciation to Rivers State governor, Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara over his granting of #100,000 as Christmas bonus to the entire spectrum of civil servants across the State.
Speaking with journalists at his residence in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Alabo Cockeye-Brown said the generous gesture from the governor undoubtedly brought joy and relief to many families during the festive season.
“In these challenging economic times, such initiatives are a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to the welfare of our public servants. It is a clear indication that he values their hard work and sacrifices, “he stated.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown, who is the Vice Chairman of Opobo Council of Alapu, emphasized the importance of supporting civil servants, who play a crucial role in the development and governance of the state.
“These men and women dedicate their lives to serving the public. The Christmas bonus is not just financial assistance; it’s a recognition of their relentless efforts and a way to uplift their spirits ahead of the New Year,” he added.
In addition to celebrating the Christmas bonus, Alabo Cockeye-Brown took the opportunity to congratulate Governor Fubara on being awarded the Public Office Holder of the Year 2024.
He said the recognition is well-deserved, adding that the governor has shown exceptional leadership and vision, steering the state towards progress and prosperity.
“His dedication to uplifting the lives of our citizens is commendable, and we are proud to have him leading us”, he said.
Alabo Cockeye-Brown also called on other leaders in the state to follow Fubara’s example, stressing the need for collaborative efforts to enhance public service delivery and improve the living standards of the people.
“Let us work together to ensure that every citizen feels the impact of good governance,” he urged.