In recognition of his execution of outstanding projects and programmes in the healthcare sector, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has nominated Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for the exalted “NMA Healthcare Merit Award”.
A statement by the special assistant to the governor on new media, Simeon Nwakaudu said the NMA announced the nomination of Governor Wike for the prestigious award during a congratulatory visit by the the body on the re-election of the Rivers State Governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
The Chairman of NMA Rivers State, Dr (Mrs) Obulebra Adebiyi said the state Chapter of the medical professionals nominated the Governor for the award “In view of the far reaching impact of your numerous developmental projects in the health sector and by the recommendation of NMA Rivers State, you have been nominated by the NMA President , Prof Francis Faduyile , the National Officers Committee and the National Executive Council for the highly esteemed “NMA Healthcare Merit Award “.
“This award is conferred by the NMA to State Governors with exceptional performance especially in the Health Sector, evidenced by the improved quality of care in the state, better equipped healthcare centres, proximity of healthcare Centres to rural dwellers in the state and better healthcare delivery indices within the period under review “.
She said that the prestigious award will be conferred on the Rivers State Governor at the National Delegates Conference of the NMA at Abakaliki in Ebonyi State.
She stated that the re-election of Governor Wike was an expression of appreciation by the good people of Rivers State of his performance.
“Your success is an eloquent expression of the desires of Rivers people and a clear demonstration of their satisfaction with the giant strides of the past four years.
“The NMA has in several fora echoed the achievements in the area of revamping health infrastructure in the state evidenced in the renovation of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, the brand new Mother and Child Hospital, construction and renovation of Model Health Centres, General Hospitals and the construction of Doctors Quarters in the RSUTH “.
She commended the Governor for developing the College of Medical Sciences and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital to train more medical professionals for the state.
They urged the Rivers State Government to facilitate the passage of the State Health Insurance Bill by the State House of Assembly for the good of Rivers people.
Responding, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike appreciated the NMA for the prestigious award, saying that his Administration will use the second term to address outstanding areas of development. He said the award will spur him to greater service.
He said: “We had an interactive session with the NMA before the elections and the doctors assured me of their support. This victory is not for any particular person. It is for Rivers people.
“With what happened, it is important for all of us to work together to develop the state”.
The Governor announced that the 7-Month entitlements owed House Officers will be settled by his Administration. He directed the placement of the House Officers stipends under the management of State Ministry of Finance.
Governor Wike expressed displeasure with the refusal of private medical professionals in the state to repay the loans arranged by his Administration.
“I want to bring to the notice of the NMA this failure of Private Medical Doctors to repay the N500m loans guaranteed by the State Government.
“Most of them, since they collected that money, none of them has paid a dime. Instead, they claim it is their share of the State resources. This act by the doctors will make it impossible to start the second phase of the loan scheme for private medical practitioners to develop their hospitals “, he said.
He announced that the funds for Residency Training of doctors will be released later in the week by his Administration.
Governor Wike added that the State Health Insurance Health Bill to be passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly will come into operation during his second term.
