Rivers State Government says Rivers’ people deserve the best in health care delivery as well as other sectors of the economy.

The State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo said this while playing host to members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Rivers State Government Hospitals Branch at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, February 18, 2022.

“The health sector is extremely dear to our hearts, our Governor believes that if you are sick, you cannot go to school, you cannot do business, I can also tell you that he spends as much in other sectors, be it education, be it security, he spends tremendously on all the sectors, because he wants to give the Rivers People a better life.”

A statement signed by the Head of Press in her Office, Owupele Benebo, said Dr Banigo commended MDCAN for the existing cordial relationship between it and the State Government over the years, applauding the State Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) for their commitment to service delivery, noting that the Governor Wike led Administration has a listening ear advised them to always explore dialogue to resolve issues.

“We also thank the People of the State for giving us the opportunity to serve, we are not working as if it is our second tenure, we are working as if it is our first tenure, and we will continue to do so until the very last day of our administration, and there are obviously quite a few things we are still going to do by the Grace of God.”

“One thing we do not like is the threat of strike, because our Governor pays salaries regularly, he pays other allowances as well, he is open to discussion, but not open to striking. Please whatever you do, do not let strike be the first option, exhaust all other channels of discussion, because there is really nothing the Government is unwilling to do for you at any particular time, based on available resources.”

The Deputy Governor used the occasion to congratulate the newly elected Executive of the Rivers State Government Hospitals Branch of MDCAN, advising them to always administer health with compassion.

In her remarks, the newly elected Chairman of MDCAN, Rivers State Government Hospitals Chapter, Dr. Ebong Mbak said they were at the Government House to introduce the new Executives to the Deputy Governor and to also intimate her of the upcoming MDCAN NEC meeting, which would be hosted by the State.

She commended the Governor Wike led Administration for the establishment of the Rivers State University College of Medical Sciences into a full-fledged Medical School with the School showcasing its’ 5th year clinical students as well as all its achievements in the health sector.