By Jemimah Wellington, JKNmedia Reporter
GOVERNOR SIMINALAYI Fubara of Rivers State has pledged a massive overhaul of the state’s healthcare system to ensure residents have access to quality and affordable services.
He also promised substantial budget allocations in 2025 for health, education, and agriculture.
Governor Fubara made these remarks during a meeting with the World Health Organisation (WHO) delegation led by Dr. Kazadi Walter Molumbo at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
He emphasized the administration’s goal to make healthcare accessible at all levels – primary, secondary, and tertiary.
He acknowledged the poor state of health facilities inherited by his administration, saying most zonal hospitals were incomplete and non-functional.
Fubara highlighted the importance of affordable healthcare, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring even the less privileged can access it.
The governor detailed his administration’s achievements, including the activation of the Health Insurance Scheme and improvements in primary healthcare.
He assured that resources for primary healthcare are allocated promptly to maintain their functionality.
Fubara also addressed the state’s tertiary health services, noting the pressure on the two main hospitals: Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
He outlined plans to complete and upgrade zonal hospitals in Degema, Bori, Ahoada, Omoku, and Okehi, and to improve Bonny General Hospital.
The governor praised WHO’s role in supervising and supporting health initiatives in Rivers State.
He stressed the state’s commitment to preventive and intervention measures against cholera and other communicable diseases.
Fubara directed the Health Commissioner to implement processes to tackle these health issues, including those related to anticipated flooding.
Dr. Kazadi Walter Molumbo commended Governor Fubara’s efforts and political will in healthcare interventions.
Molumbo emphasized the need for accelerated efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and praised Rivers State for its encouraging steps, including the reactivation of the task force on primary healthcare and the consistent release of funds for immunization activities.
