The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) has commenced the distribution of operational vehicles to the state’s 23 Local Government Areas, with Degema LGA receiving the first brand-new pickup vehicle.
The vehicle was formally handed over to the Medical Officer of Health, Degema LGA, Dr Lolia Koko, by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Chituru Adele, during a brief ceremony at the Board’s headquarters in Port Harcourt on Monday, August 31, 2026.
Adele said the initiative was part of the Board’s broader efforts to improve the readiness of primary healthcare facilities and strengthen supportive supervision across the state.
He explained that the vehicles would provide Medical Officers of Health and supervisory personnel with improved mobility to enable them to reach healthcare facilities and communities more effectively.
According to him, a maintenance plan has also been incorporated into the programme, with routine servicing scheduled every 5,000 kilometres or quarterly.
The initiative is considered particularly important for Degema LGA, which comprises both land and riverine communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Koko said transportation challenges had previously affected access to some healthcare facilities and communities, including instances where vehicles broke down while transporting health commodities and vaccines for programme activities.
She expressed optimism that the new vehicle would ease land-based transportation challenges and enhance supervision and healthcare service delivery in the LGA.
However, she noted that reaching riverine communities remained a separate challenge that would require adequate water transportation.
Adele appealed to residents of Rivers State to remain patient as the Board continues with efforts to improve primary healthcare facilities and strengthen service delivery across the state.
