In a recent interview, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed his commitment to revitalizing and upgrading zonal hospitals in the state’s three senatorial districts. This initiative aims to enhance the medical referral system in local communities across Rivers State.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the state Commissioner for Health, shared these developments during a briefing in Port Harcourt. She highlighted that Rivers State is set to be recognized as one of the top three states at the upcoming 2024 Private Sector Health Alliance Nigeria Awards and Gala Night, alongside Kaduna and Lagos. The award celebrates efforts to improve health equity and access throughout Nigeria.
Commissioner Oreh noted that upon taking office, Governor Fubara made healthcare a priority. She stated, “He has remained true to his promise by launching the state Contributory Health Protection Programme, which includes a health insurance scheme designed to support vulnerable populations—such as pregnant women, children under-five, the elderly, the poor, and individuals with disabilities.”
Highlighting the achievements in the health sector, she mentioned partnerships with organizations like UNICEF, which have led to significant advancements. “For instance,” Oreh explained, “we recently received a state-of-the-art oxygen plant with a capacity of 720,000 liters from UNICEF, IHS Towers, the Canadian Government, and other partners at Eleme General Hospital.”
She further noted that ongoing collaborations with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are improving access to family planning and reproductive health resources across all local government areas.
Dr. Oreh also pointed out the notable advancements at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, including the establishment of a Stroke Centre, a Burns Unit, and an expanded Intensive Care Unit. The hospital has gained accreditation in various medical specialties, including Pediatrics, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
In terms of innovation, the commissioner outlined several steps taken by the current administration: “These include the introduction of mental health services, eye care, and obstetric imaging at the primary healthcare level, the revival of state emergency medical services, the establishment of acute malnutrition management sites in each senatorial district, the employment of 2,000 healthcare workers, significant upgrades to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, and the construction of a Drug Rehabilitation Centre, among other initiatives.”
Looking ahead, THISDAY has learned that the Healthcare Alliance Nigeria Award and Gala Night will take place on October 25, 2024, in Lagos, celebrating the achievements and efforts of various states in improving healthcare access and equity.
