The Rivers State Government said it is investigating complaints by some nursing mothers that immunisation vaccines were being sold by personnel in health centres.
The Government said any staff caught selling vaccines will face disciplinary actions.
The Executive Director of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr Kinikanwo Green said this when he paid an unscheduled visit to Obio Cottage and Rumuokwurishi Health Centers in Obio/Akpotha Local Government Area of the state.
This came as some nursing mothers accused some personnel at the Obio Cottage Hospital and the Rumuokrushi Health Centre in Obio/Ajpir Local Government of the State of selling vaccines.
One of the mothers who spoke to our correspondent said the first time she took her son to the facility she was asked to pay some money.
The mother who refused to mention her name stated, “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.
“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
However, addressing the mothers at the Obio Cottage Hospital, Kinikanwo said the state government will not tolerate any act that is capable of affecting the Health of children or mothers.
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.
He insisted that the vaccines are free adding that it was done so by the government of Governor Siminilayi Fubara. He also stated that it was the reason for his visits to ascertain the allegations.
“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.
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