Rivers State Government has pledged to collaborate with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, in the implementation of public health initiatives that would align with the people of Ogoni land and the state in general.
Speaking at the Formal Hand Over Ceremony of Ambulances to Health Care Facilities in Bori, Eleme, Kpite, Terabor and Bodo, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh said that Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation goes beyond the environment and with the provision of ambulances for the five health facilities, HYPREP has aided the building of a resilient and responsive health system where the transfer of patients from places where they are to where they can receive specialized medical care that is available.
“HYPREP’s focus on supporting the health sector goes beyond equipping and furnishing health facilities. You have demonstrated that you have a holistic approach to climate protection, the green revolution and environmental sustainability.”
“This donation of these five ambulances to the Bori General Hospital, Terabor General Hospital, Eleme General Hospital, Bodo General Hospital and the Kpite Primary Health Center demonstrates that HYPREP’s focus is on supporting the health sector.”
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The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to ensure that the initiatives being implemented by HYPREP are sustained.
In his address, the HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibari Zabbey said the donation of Ambulances to the five health facilities is to ensure that the people benefit optimally from the services rendered from these health facilities.
Professor Zabbey said the Ambulances will ensure swift response to medical emergencies at the community level, strengthen the patient referral system and ensure timely access to life saving care for the people.
“It is important to note that this intervention is in line with the recommendations of the UNEP report which emphasize the need to address public health challenges in the area.”
“The report also states that environmental restoration must go hand in hand with measures to protect and strengthen public health systems.”
He reassured the Commissioner of Health of HYPREP’S respect for partnership and collaboration to sustain favourable public health outcomes.
