Lorine Emenike
The Rivers state government has declared free-waiver fees for all HIV/AIDS patients in other to enable them access medical care in all government-owned healthcare facilities in the state.
The deputy Governor, Dr. IPALIBO BANIGO made this known during the inauguration of USER-FEE WAIVER for all persons living with HIV/AIDS on Thursday.
She noted that the prevalence of the disease prompted the government to declare free waivers for carrier patients, adding that pregnant mothers living with HIV can also access free antenatal care in all government-owned healthcare facilities.
She said “considering the finance involved in getting medications and treatment for the ailment, the Rivers State government has deemed it necessary to flag off the user-fee waiver for them to access all government facilities free of charge.
” It will ensure them care without stigma and it also includes our pregnant mothers who are carriers, their anti-natal fees are also free of charge”
On her part, the Permanent secretary of state ministry of health, Caroline Wali, commended the state government for the user-fee waiver, adding that such move will enable them have access to healthcare.
”This is the first state in the country to initiate the user-fee waiver. It became a problem , when they say the HIV/Aids carriers can not access healthcare. Now the State Governor Nyesom Wike , has graciously made the treatment of HIV free in a government facilities”.
Some of the HIV/AIDS carriers who spoke to TPCN reporter commended the state government on the initiative, especially the free registration for pregnant mothers.
”It will free us from economic burden. I am really happy, because some us cannot get jobs because of our status but since it is free now it will help us a lot.
“I am really happy for those our PMTC pregnant mothers, they can now access health care, because before it was difficult to register them, I want to commend the state government for the initiative, may God bless them”.
