The Rivers State Government says it intends to access the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), COVID-19 support fund for states, to enable it establish a world-class radiotherapy centre at the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Center.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Issac Kamalu, made this known during the state executive council meeting at Government House on Thursday.
According to him, the N2.5 billion is structured into two components. N2 billion will be for healthcare infrastructure support and N500 million as revolving credit for medical consumables.
He stated that the apex bank created the fund to cushion the effects of coronavirus on the federal and state governments.
Kamalu explained that parts of the money will be used to upgrade healthcare facilities at the Prof. Kesley Harrison Hospital and the Dental and Maxillofacial Hospital in Port Harcourt.
“So, the government has, in its wisdom, thought it necessary that this facility should be accessed…” he said.
“As you are aware, the facility has been utilised by virtually all the States and Rivers State is among the few that are yet to utilise the facility,” he added.
