Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that his administration has made significant progress in the health sector over the past two and a half years.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor highlighted key achievements, including the revamping of health facilities, the establishment of a state health insurance scheme, and the employment of over 2,000 health workers to strengthen manpower and improve service delivery across the state.
Fubara disclosed that several abandoned health facilities have been revived and expanded, notably the Zonal Hospitals in Bori, Omoku, Ahoada, and Degema. He explained that the Ahoada Zonal Hospital is a 105-bed secondary healthcare facility equipped to meet the medical needs of residents within its catchment area.
The governor added that his administration has also prioritized Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), particularly in rural communities, to ensure residents have easier access to medical services.
According to him, the government approved the remodeling of 153 primary healthcare centres across the state to restore and enhance their functionality.
Fubara said the introduction of mental health services at the primary healthcare level was prompted by the economic hardship facing many residents.
“As an administration, we are very passionate about the health of every citizen and resident of Rivers State. When we realised that many people have been under stress as a result of economic hardship, we decided to introduce mental health services at the primary healthcare level. We are not just catering for common diseases such as malaria; we want to ensure that our people receive the right mental health support at the right time,” he said.
At the tertiary level, the governor noted that the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital has been revamped and equipped with modern facilities, including monitors, ventilators, and scanners.
On staff welfare, Fubara revealed that over 400 staff members of the teaching hospital have been promoted, while an additional 500 personnel were recruited to boost capacity.
He further stated that scholarships for Rivers indigenes studying at PAMO University of Medical Sciences have been increased from 100 to 150 under his administration.
