The Rivers State Government has insisted that its commitment to providing top-notch sustainable infrastructural facilities for the benefit of the Rivers People remains firm.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo, stated this in her keynote address during the 16th Annual Scientific Conference of Nigerian Association of Dermatologists and 3rd Scientific Meeting of the African Society of Dermatology and Venereology at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt on Thursday, 23 June 2022.
Dr Banigo, who said the Governor, Wike led Administration had resolved not to be distracted in delivering dividends of democracy to the Rivers People, disclosed that at inception in 2015 the State Government ensured that all dilapidated health facilities it met on ground were renovated, equipped and positioned to provide the needed health care delivery services.
“To further boost the manpower needs of the health sector in the State, this administration has established the Faculty of Medicine at the Rivers State University with a view to producing adequate manpower for our health system in the State. The State Government also offer scholarships to students at the Rivers State University and PAMO University of Medical Sciences to study medicine and other paramedical disciplines”. Dr. Banigo stressed.
According to her, the Governor Wike led administration has also reconstructed zonal hospitals for effective referral services, a state-of-the-art Mother and Child Hospital, adding that it is constructing the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostic and Treatment Centre which would address radiotherapy and cancer treatment.
The Deputy Governor, who urged the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists to commence mentoring outreaches to medical schools across the country, to encourage young doctors to embrace dermatology as an area of specialization, added that it should be replicated across Africa to boost the numerical strength of dermatologists and dermatological services in Nigeria and Africa in the near future.
In his remarks the President of the African Society of Dermatology and Venereology, Prof. Abel Nze Onunu, said the ASDV was formed in 2015 with the goal to improve the practice of dermatology and Venereology in the African Continent, through improved training, collaboration and research.
Also speaking the National President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatology, Dr. Tahir Mohammed said over the years the Association had maintained steady progress in achieving its aim of ensuring progress in the practice of dermatology in Nigeria, adding that the association intends to maintain and strengthen its partnership with Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to advance skin health.
Welcoming the participants, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee Dr. Dasetima Dandeson Altride, said the conference offers an opportunity for dermatologists in Nigeria and Africa to share best practices and experience in the practice of dermatology.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of a Certificate of Excellence to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for his Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contributions in the Development of Public Health Sector in Rivers State, while his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo was conferred with a Life Time Achievement Award for Dermatology, Public Health and Political Leadership.
