WOMEN in Rivers State have been charged to use the free medical services initiated by the State Government to curb maternal and infant mortality and other health challenges.
Wife of Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi gave this charge during the flag-off of the 3-day Free Medical Mission initiated by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
Mrs. Amechi said a good number of women in the state are ignorant of the free health care hence have to register and access free medicare.
The governor's wife revealed that she was touched by the many complaints received from women who seek medical assistance over some health challenges and said that some of the health issues are minor and can be handled at the primary health centre.
In her words, "The Rivers State Government led by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is so desirous to enthrone a healthy state and vibrant people who will be alive to benefit from good governance .This decision informed the commissioning of 60 health centres in 60 communities and in 60 days".
Amechi explained that 60-60-60 project was the first phase of the state government intervention in the health sector, adding that more health centres will be spread to the door step of Rivers people.
The governor's wife while appreciating the Ministry of Health for collaborating with ESI and distributing treated mosquito nets to women, charged them to take a step further in providing mattresses or beds for people who cannot afford them to complement the mosquitoes nets and appealed that the primary health centres should double as enlightenment and sensitization centres.
"I want to appeal that the primary health cenres be used as an advocacy and enlightenment organ of the Ministry and they should be proactive in educating our women in health related matters rather than waiting for an outbreak of epidemic or when situation of patients becomes worrisome", she added.
She lauded the ministry for the drastic reduction of maternal and infant mortality in the state and advised that more could be done to reduce the cases to the barest level.
Administrator of the ESI, Mr. Nowa Omorogbe said the free medical services will be a routine exercise while children will form the focal point of the exercise.