As Nigeria observed Workers day on Tuesday ,health workers in Rivers state have lamented the inaccessibility of health facilities in the state.
Some of the health workers in an interview with theportcitynews.com stated that they undergo poor working conditions which makes their job more difficult for them.
“Most of the time, we have to improvise as a result of inadequate health facilities. This is so bad as it is not so in developed countries. It endangers the lives of our patients because our health workers need to be trained properly. If these tools are not available, we cannot achieve that.
“There is also the problem of poor remuneration. We do not receive our salaries on time. Most times, we are paid a week after the due date. Already, our job is too stressful for us, not paying on time makes it harder because we have families to take care of.
“There is also the problem of epileptic power supply. That’s another major challenge we are facing. There is no way patients can receive full medical attention with the kind of power supply we get in this state. It is a serious issue that needs urgent attention.
“Lack of security is yet another problem health workers are facing in the state, there has been cases where health workers are instructed to carry out surgeries at gun point.
” The laboratory facilities are in shambles and drugs are not mostly available.
“Traffic jam is another crazy issue we face daily. Getting to work on time has almost become impossible. Most traffic wardens are not available to control the traffic and already we know that reckless driving is the order of the day in Port Harcourt.
The health workers also called on the state government to look into their plights and proffer solutions as soon as possible.
