Dr Adaeze Oreh, Rivers Commissioner for Health has reaffirmed the state government’s readiness in bridging existing gaps in the primary and secondary healthcare sector of the state.
Dr. Oreh made the remark at the 4th annual scientific conference organized by Nigerian Prosthetics, Orthotic and Orthopedic Technology Society (NPOOTS) in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Dr Nwachuku Vincent, Director, Medical Service of the ministry, the Commissioner commended NPOOTS for donating artificial limbs to some amputees in the state.
She assured on government’s willingness to synergise with the group to assist in bringing prosthetic and orthotic services down to the primary and secondary healthcare sectors of the state, to ensure universal Health coverage.
She noted that the government, through the Ministry, had initiated viable policies aimed at driving healthcare services to the remotest parts of the state.
According to her, the governor’s mantra ‘’health for Rivers people’’ had started yielding feasible impacts as Gov. Siminalayi Fubara continued to strengthen the sector.
“The governor has so far employed over 2,000 health workers and has promised more employment even as he is expanding healthcare facilities across rural communities.
“I believe, with proper synergy, prosthetic and orthotic services could also get to rural communities,” she said.
Prof. Rufai Ahmad, Registrar, Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board of Nigeria, expressed concerns over the manpower deficit in prosthetic and orthotic units across the country.
Acknowledging the importance of the arm of Medical Rehabilitation, Ahmad called on the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuous training to enable professionals to deliver effectively.
“We have very few qualified professionals in Nigeria who provide these services; on the boards, we have registered only less than 400 members,” he said.
Dr Onwukamuche Chikwado Kingsley, the immediate past president of NPOOTS, attributed the high cost of acquiring artificial prosthetics to the high foreign exchange rate on imported components.
He urged the government to consider health insurance for patients and also to integrate Prosthetic and Orthotic services into the primary healthcare system.
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