The Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, today , paid an on-the-spot visit to a female patient receiving treatment for severe burns at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, RSUTH, Port Harcourt.
Prof. Odu, who represented the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, said the visit was to assure the patient and her family of government’s presence and commitment to quality healthcare delivery in the State.
She disclosed that the State Government received information on the incident from Bile Community through social media and immediately activated the health response team. According to her, the swift intervention by the Ministry of Health and the management of RSUTH ensured that the patient was evacuated and admitted for prompt medical attention.
Describing the case as critical, the Deputy Governor noted that burns of such magnitude require urgent and specialized care to prevent complications. She commended the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Worgu Wachukwu, the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Prof. Chizindu A. Alikor, and the entire clinical team for their professionalism and timely action.
In line with the people-oriented policy of the Fubara administration, Prof. Odu announced that the Rivers State Government will bear the full cost of the patient’s treatment. She also presented a welfare package to the patient to support her recovery and boost her morale.
The Deputy Governor further appreciated the traditional leadership of Bile Community and other first responders who facilitated the evacuation of the patient, stressing that government will continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of Rivers people, irrespective of their location.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Worgu Wachukwu, acknowledged the collaborative effort that led to the successful evacuation and admission of the patient. He also appreciated the support of community stakeholders in ensuring timely access to care.
The Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Prof. Chizindu A. Alikor, while briefing the Deputy Governor, confirmed that the patient has been receiving comprehensive care at no cost to her for over 24 hours and is responding positively to treatment. He assured that the hospital’s Burns Unit and multidisciplinary team remain committed to providing the best possible care and achieving optimal outcomes.
The visit had in attendance senior management of RSUTH, Head of the Department of Surgery, and other health personnel.
The Rivers State Government reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen emergency and specialized health services across the State under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
