Rivers Probes Alleged Sale of Vaccines, Vows Punishment

The Rivers State Government has launched an investigation into reports of alleged sale of immunization vaccines by personnel at health centers.

The Government said any staff caught selling vaccines will face disciplinary actions.

Dr. Kinikanwo Green, the Executive Director of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, took an unscheduled visit to the Obio Cottage and Rumuokwurishi Health Centers located in the Obio/Akpotha Local Government Area.

Amid these allegations, nursing mothers had shared their experiences of being asked to pay for vaccines at these health centers. One mother, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her distress over being asked to pay N9000 for a vaccine for her child as a first-time mother.

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“The first time I took in, I didn’t have to pay, the second time I was told that I should pay N9000 for one (vaccine) for a first-time mum,” she said.

“When I travelled, the other hospitals where I took the injection didn’t ask for anything. They have the whole thing they said I have to pay for here. “So today is the first time since I came back and he was given just two and we were asked to pay for one, N10,000 and I don’t have it. So I am going,” she added

Dr. Kinikanwo Green directly addressed these mothers during his visit to the Obio Cottage Hospital, reiterating the government’s resolute stance against any actions that could compromise the health of mothers and children.

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He stated, “We are taking it very seriously. The Board has also noted one or two personnel and of course, disciplinary actions will be taken against those culpable. “We have already set up a disciplinary committee to look into this and of course, recommendations will be made, and we are going to carry out the necessary punitive measures against these staff,” he added.

Dr. Green asserted that the vaccines are intended to be provided free of charge, emphasizing that this policy was established by the government of Governor Siminilayi Fubara.

“The Government of Sir Siminilayi Fubara has sent us here. On the issue of vaccines, we don’t want to hear that anyone is paying money or anyone charging anyone. “We are not going to accept any sharp practices that are inimical to the health of our mothers and the Health of our children,” he explained.