…As resident doctors pledge support, present award
The Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Dr. Agiriye Monima Harry, has urged doctors to “use their energies and tribe to work for the good of society.”
Harry made the call on November 4, at the Council Secretariat in Degema, while playing host to a delegation of Association of Resident Doctors, (ARD) from Rivers State UniversityTeaching Hospital, led by her President, Dr. Nimi Briggs.
Responding to several requests earlier made by the Association, the Council boss said ” There is a lot to do and a lot to benefit. That is why no money will leave this Council for free. You will earn it. If you work with us we will pay you.”
Harry said, the issue about medical outreach is something he likes to view differently, noting that because the health centres in communities across the LGA are in dire need of medical doctors, a more sustainable approach would be for the doctors to move round the various health centres in a rotational manner, crisscrossing these communities, especially the remote places like Ke.
He however disclosed that outreaches could be organised if there are specialized medical services around neurology, or cardiology, that will benefit the LGA.
On the issues about grants for resident doctors, Harry disclosed that the policies made by the State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, have provided adequately for medical doctors, through the provision of grants.
He stressed the need for the availability of a comprehensive list of residents doctors, who are natives of the LGA, irrespective of whether they reside in the State or not. Noting that such information will provide the needed data on the available manpower in the medical sector.
“Let’s use our energies and our tribe to work for ourselves. Me, i am an orthopedic, so if i see, l will do. I mean, Council Chairman or not, if l see somebody who is very bad, like all those polio like things, with club feet and all that, l will just annex all of them.
“But for you guys, physicians, pediatricians, obstetrics and Gynecologist, some surgeons, the one you can do the periphery, you can do that.
” lf we have cases and they don’t have money and we have to do something, at least we have people that we can say, okay! This is our person. He is here and we are sending him to you. And we can sponsor and all that. These are the things we can do. Social humanitarian stuff,” he reiterated.
The President of the Association in his speech had assured the Chairman, whom he described as a great inspiration to young aspiring doctors, of their unwavering support “in their shared commitment to improving healthcare delivery within the LGA.”
He said, ” Your remarkable legacy as an accomplished surgeon and a dedicated administrator has left a lasting impact on the medical community and we have every confidence that your new role will bring even greater achievements.”
He expressed optimism that Harry would use his wealth of experience to better the lives of Delgans.
“It is imperative that we also bring to light that it was with your visionary foresight as head of primary health care board that led to the release of medical officers in the primary health care who had primaries qualifications for them to start their residency program.
“The singular act was led by you and today, we have them as senior registrars and consultants, giving back to society. We are grateful.”
Speaking further he said, “As we move forward, we hope to strengthen our collaboration with your administration, especially in our shared commitment to improving Healthcare delivery within the LGA.
“We believe that priotising the health sector will make a transformative difference in the lives of your people and ARD is prepared to support your vision by organising medical outreach and other community based health services to address the existing gaps.”
The Doctors notified the Council Chairman, of their upcoming AGM, billed for December, which he is expected to attend as a special guest.
“Your presence will be a tremendous source of inspiration to young aspiring doctors and will strengthen the bridge between the local government leadership and the medical community.”
Briggs, opined that the Council Chairman, haven gone through the residency program as a young doctor, would understand their needs better. And solicited for financial assistance in form of grants.
” As a doctor you healed, as a politician, you will lead with empathy and wisdom. Your contributions in both governance and health care stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of service,” he said.
The President of the Association, Dr. Briggs accompanied by Dr. Chizi Minikwu – HQ Rep, Dr. Princeba Amachree- Past Secretary, and Dr. Tamunobarabiye Nonju- Secretary, presented an award to the chairman in recognition of his unwavering commitment to Healthcare, service delivery, leadership and transformative changes in public service.
Gloria Boma Harry,
Chief Press Secretary,
Degema Local Government Area,
Monday, November 4th, 2024
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