Dr Adaeze Ure, 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.
Ure 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 amputee in the state.
She assured on government’s willingness to synergise with the group to assist bring prosthetic and orthotic services down to the primary and secondary healthcare sectors of the state.
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 had 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 manpower deficit in prosthetic and orthotic units across the country.
Acknowledging the importance of the arm of medicine, Ahmad called on government and relevant stakeholders to ensure continuous training to enable professionals deliver effectively.
“We have very few qualified professionals in Nigeria who provide these services; in the boards, we have registered only less than 400 members,” he said.
Dr Onwukamuche Chikwado Kingsley, the immediate past president of NPOOTS, attributed high cost of acquiring artificial prosthetics to high foreign exchange rate on imported components.
He urged the government to consider health insurance for patients and also integrate Prosthetics and Orthotic service into the primary healthcare system.
