The Rivers State Government has pledged to foot the medical bills of Miss Amos Joy, a fire-burn victim from Bille Community, who is currently receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt.
The State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, made the commitment on Monday, September 14, 2026, when she visited the victim at the hospital.
Odu said the government moved swiftly after receiving information about Joy’s condition, stressing that the intervention was part of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of residents.
She commended the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Nwachukwu; the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Prof. Chizindu Alikor; cardiologists, nurses and other members of the medical team for promptly evacuating the victim to the teaching hospital and commencing treatment.
According to her, Joy sustained extensive burns and required urgent medical attention to prevent complications, including infection and septicaemia.
“Because I believe and you all know that our Government is a Government that cares about people and has the passion to help out, that is why I have come to see her, give her encouragement and commend the medical team for taking action immediately,” the Deputy Governor said.
Odu, who also provided the victim with financial assistance, said the state government would continue to bear the cost of her treatment throughout her stay at the hospital.
She expressed optimism about Joy’s recovery, noting that the medical team had successfully stabilised her condition.
The Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Prof. Alikor, confirmed that the victim was receiving treatment at no cost and was making progress.
Alikor thanked the state government for its intervention, saying the Deputy Governor’s visit would boost the morale of medical personnel and encourage them to remain committed to their duties.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Nwachukwu, disclosed that the ministry acted after receiving information about the incident online.
He said the ministry immediately arranged for Joy to be evacuated from the facility where she was initially receiving treatment to RSUTH, where she could access more specialised care.
Nwachukwu also commended the medical team for its efforts in stabilising the victim and providing continued care.
