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By Mandy Tina
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the invasion of a health sensitization event for mothers, children, and pregnant women at the Eliozu Primary Health Care Center in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State by security personnel.
NMA Chairman for Rivers State, Dr. Ebi Robinson, reacting to the invasion in Port Harcourt, described the incident as highly unacceptable behaviour by the security forces.
He noted that health facilities are places where essential and critical care is provided, and such invasions pose serious threats to the lives of patients and attendees of the immunization program, organized by the Primary Health Care Center in conjunction with the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
Dr. Robinson called on the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and other stakeholders in the security sector to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“The attention of the Nigerian Medical Association has been drawn to the news making round of the invasion of armed personnels at Eliozu Primary Health Center. In the program organised by the Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Management Board concerning the immunization of children, pregnant women against some killer diseases.
“These action is quite condemnable and it is not acceptable by us, we vehemently condemn it because health institutions are where essential and critical care are being giving and administered to people.
“Even in times of war health facilities are not being invaded rather they are been protected and health care providers are protected to render services to the critically ill.
“A scenerio and event where preventive health care is being administered by immunization to mother’s and children, also pregnant women, invasion of such environment by armed officers is highly commendable, not acceptable.
“On this note we want to state categorically that Nigerian Medical Association, we go strongly against this act while we call on the Inspector General of Police, all the critical stakeholders in the security sector to investigate the invasion of a health facility when children, armless mothers and pregnant women are being invaded by security personnel”.
Meanwhile, it was alleged that one CSP Salihu Masalachi, Head of the Police Tactical Unit Operations Center in Rumuepirikom, Obio/Akpor Local Government, led officers to disrupt a vital health program in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Health, held at the Eliozu community, on Wednesday 24 July, 2024.
