Nigerian Medical Association Rivers State

NMA RIVERS SOC PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO PERMANENT SECRETARY, RIVERS STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH- DR VINCENT WACHUKWU

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Rivers State Branch, led by Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health. The meeting focused on commending the state government's healthcare investments—such as the Omoku Zonal and Rumuigbo Neuropsychiatry hospitals—while raising key concerns regarding health worker welfare, workplace safety, assault prevention, and rural accommodation. In turn, the NMA decorated Dr. Wachukwu as an Ambassador and invited him to be the Chief Host of the 2026 Physicians' Week. Dr. Wachukwu pledged continued partnership and assured the delegation that these concerns are being resolved, noting that all newly commissioned facilities now include fully furnished staff quarters.

Dr. DUUKORI THANKGOD
Public Relations Officer
NMARivers State Branch
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.nmarivers.org
02-10-2026

🇳🇬 DEAR DOCTORS IN RIVERS STATE,

On behalf of the SOC and SEC, I warmly wish you and your families a happy 66th Independence Day celebration.

As we celebrate Nigeria, I want to assure you that your welfare, safety, dignity and professional wellbeing remain a priority of this SOC.

We will continue to listen, engage and work deliberately to protect the interests of doctors and strengthen our collective voice.

Together, we will continue to contribute our quota towards a healthier and stronger Nigeria.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! 🇳🇬

Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu
Chairman, NMA Rivers State Branch
1-10-2026

WORLD HEART DAY 2026: DON’T MISS A BEAT. DON’T TRIVIALIZE A SIGN.

The Chairman, NMA Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu is calling on Rivers residents to pay closer attention to their heart health as we commemorate World Heart Day 2026.

The heart speaks quietly. A little breathlessness, unusual chest discomfort, unexplained tiredness, or a heartbeat that suddenly feels different may be easy to dismiss as stress, age or the demands of a busy day. However, some of these may be warning signs that deserve medical attention.

Heart disease can affect anyone, and some symptoms may go unnoticed or be mistaken for less serious conditions. This World Heart Day, NMA Rivers encourages everyone to know your numbers, know your risks move more, eat well and avoid smoking.

Most importantly, do not ignore unusual or persistent symptoms. When something feels different, seek appropriate medical attention rather than dismissing it.

Your heart works every second for you. Give it a reason to keep beating strong.

Dr. DUUKORI THANKGOD
Public Relations Officer
NMARivers State Branch
Email:[email protected] Website: www.nmarivers.org
24-09-2026

NMA RIVERS STRENGTHENS MEDICAL-VETERINARY COLLABORATION ON RABIES PREVENTION

The Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu, represented by the Assistant General Secretary, Dr. Godwin Iche, participated In the 2026 World Rabies Day celebration organised by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Rivers State Chapter.

The event, held at Rivers State University, brought together veterinary and medical professionals, academics and other stakeholders to deliberate on collaborative efforts towards rabies prevention and the achievement of zero human deaths from rabies by 2030.

The celebration, themed “Stronger Together,” with the sub-theme “Stronger Together – Saving Lives,” highlighted the importance of the One Health approach in addressing rabies through public awareness, animal vaccination, early recognition of exposure, appropriate post-exposure care, surveillance and coordinated action across sectors.

The event was followed up by a joint on air session by resource persons drawn from NMA Rivers state and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Rivers State Chapter to educate the public on rabies from both angles as a shared responsibility of protecting lives and advancing public knowledge on rabies.

Dr. DUUKORI THANKGOD
Public Relations Officer
NMARivers State Branch
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.nmarivers.org
28-09-2026

PHYSICIANS’ WEEK 2026

The biggest gathering of doctors in Rivers State is coming!

A week of professional engagement, networking,learning and celebration as Doctors across Rivers State come together.

📅 18th – 24th October 2026

🎯 Theme:
“SECURING THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE IN NIGERIA”

Plan to attend.
Mark your calendar.
Be part of Physicians’ Week 2026.

More details coming…

Physicians Week Planing Committee 2026

WORLD PHARMACIST DAY 2026: NMA RIVERS CELEBRATES OUR PHARMACISTS

The Chairman, NMA Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu, on behalf of the SOC, SEC and the entire members of NMA Rivers State, warmly celebrates and appreciates our pharmacists on the occasion of World Pharmacist Day 2026.

We recognise the invaluable role pharmacists play in healthcare delivery, promoting the safe and effective use of medicines, supporting patients and working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes.

To all pharmacists in Rivers State and beyond, thank you for your professionalism, dedication and contribution to patient care.

Happy World Pharmacist Day 2026!

Dr. DUUKORI THANKGOD
Public Relations Officer
NMARivers State Branch
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.nmarivers.org
25-09-2026

Notice of Enforcement

To: All Registered Health Facilities in Rivers State

From: Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health

Date: September 25, 2026

Subject: Enforcement Action Against Health Facilities Operating with Expired Certificates of Standard

Background
The Rivers State Ministry of Health has observed with grave concern that over 60% of registered health facilities have failed to comply with the mandatory annual inspection and certification renewal requirements.

Despite repeated reminder messages and official calls, many facilities continue to operate with expired Certificates of Standard, thereby violating established laws and endangering public health.

Enforcement Directive

Effective September 28, 2026, the Ministry will commence enforcement actions against all facilities operating with expired Certificates of Standard.

• Facilities without valid certificates will be sealed until compliance is achieved.

* Offending facilities will be subject to fines, suspension of operations, and possible prosecution under relevant laws.

• Only facilities that have completed inspection and renewed their certificates will be permitted to continue operations.

Compliance Requirement

All affected facilities are hereby directed to:

1. Submit applications for renewal of Certificates of Standard immediately.

2. Ensure inspection and certification processes are completed before September 28, 2026.

3. Provide proof of compliance to the Directorate of Medical Services.

"The Rivers State Ministry of Health will no longer tolerate disregard for regulatory standards. Protecting the lives of our citizens is paramount, and all health facilities must operate within the law. Compliance is not optional—it is mandatory."

Signed,
Dr Vincent Wachukwu
Permanent Secretary,
Rivers State Ministry of Health

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. EBBI ROBINSON ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN, NMA NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON RADIATION MEDICINE

The Chairman, NMA Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu, on behalf of the SOC, SEC and the entire members of the Association, warmly congratulates Dr. Ebbi Robinson, a high-performing Past Chairman of NMA Rivers State Branch, seasoned Consultant Radiologist and current President of the Association of Radiologists in Nigeria (ARIN), on his appointment as Chairman, NMA National Committee on Radiation Medicine for 2026–2028 tenure.

The appointment reflects his wealth of experience, professional expertise and proven leadership in both the medical profession and radiological practice. In this new national assignment, he will be responsible for assessing the state of Radiation and Radio-diagnosis practice across the country, identifying challenges, strengthening engagement with relevant regulatory bodies and providing strategic direction towards safer and more efficient practice.

We are confident that his experience and commitment will contribute meaningfully to the advancement of radiation medicine and patient safety in Nigeria.

NMA Rivers State wishes him a _successful, impactful and fulfilling tenure_ in this important assignment.

Dr. DUUKORI THANKGOD
Public Relations Officer
NMARivers State Branch
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.nmarivers.org
24-09-2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. HOPE AVUNDA ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN, NMA NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON ANTI-QUACKERY

The Chairman, NMA Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu, on behalf of the SOC, SEC and the entire members of the Association, warmly congratulates Dr. Hope Avunda on his appointment as Chairman, NMA National Committee on Anti-Quackery for the 2026–2028 tenure.

This important appointment comes with the responsibility of strengthening the Association’s national response to quackery through coordinated anti-quackery structures across States and the FCT, public enlightenment, collaboration with relevant stakeholders and the organisation of a National Anti-Quackery Summit.

We are confident that his experience, commitment here and understanding of the healthcare environment will contribute meaningfully to the fight against quackery and the promotion of safe and professional healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

NMA Rivers State wishes him a successful and impactful tenure as he takes on this important national assignment.

Dr. DUUKORI THANKGOD
Public Relations Officer
NMARivers State Branch
Email:[email protected]
Website: www.nmarivers.org
23-09-2026

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. IDAH FELIX WABOSO ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN, NMA NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON PORTS HEALTH

The Chairman, NMA Rivers State Branch, Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Annabel Oparaodu, on behalf of the SOC, SEC and the entire members of the Association, warmly congratulates Dr. Idah Felix Waboso on his appointment as Chairman, NMA National Committee on Ports Health for the 2026–2028 tenure.

The appointment places him in an important national role involving collaboration with relevant authorities on health and safety at Nigeria’s ports, prevention and control of diseases at points of entry, as well as training, information exchange and engagement with port authorities.

Dr. Waboso is known to us all for his experience and commitment to NMA in all our branch activities. We are confident that his experience and professional commitment will contribute meaningfully to the work of the Committee and the Association at the national level.

NMA Rivers State wishes him a successful and impactful tenure in this new responsibility.

Dr. Duukori ThankGod
Public Relations Officer
NMA Rivers State
21-09-2026