Desmond Iwuchukwu
The Rivers State Government says it’s committed to providing top-notch sustainable infrastructural facilities for the benefit of the Rivers People remains firm.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo stated this in her keynote address during the 16th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists and 3rd Scientific Meeting of the African Society of Dermatology and Venereology at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt.
Dr Banigo said the Governor Wike-led Administration had resolved not to be distracted in delivering dividends of democracy to the Rivers People.
She disclosed that the State Government has renovated all dilapidated health facilities it met on the ground and positioned the health facilities to provide the needed health care delivery services.
“To further boost the manpower needs of the health sector in the State, this administration has established the Faculty of Medicine at the Rivers State University with a view to producing adequate manpower for our health system in the State. The State Government also offers scholarships to students at the Rivers State University and PAMO University of Medical Sciences to study medicine and other paramedical disciplines”. Dr Banigo stressed.
According to her, Governor Wike-led administration has also reconstructed zonal hospitals for effective referral services, including a state-of-the-art Mother and Child Hospital, adding that it is constructing the Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostic and Treatment Centre which would address radiotherapy and cancer treatment.
The Deputy Governor, who urged the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists to commence mentoring outreaches to medical schools across the country, to encourage young doctors to embrace dermatology as an area of specialization, added that it should be replicated across Africa to boost the numerical strength of dermatologists and dermatological services in Nigeria and Africa in the near future.
In his remarks, the President of the African Society of Dermatology and Venereology, Prof. Abel Nze Onunu, said the ASDV was formed in 2015 with the goal to improve the practice of dermatology and Venereology in the African Continent, through improved training, collaboration and research.
Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of a Certificate of Excellence to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for his Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contributions in the Development of the Public Health Sector in Rivers State, while his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo was conferred with a Life Time Achievement Award for Dermatology, Public Health, and Political Leadership.
