Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State pinpointed insufficient personnel, corruption, lack of discipline, and inadequate management as serious hurdles facing the healthcare sector in the region, vowing to address them decisively.
Despite the challenges, Fubara adamantly pledged that his administration would position the state as the top choice for medical tourism in Nigeria and beyond, setting ambitious goals for the healthcare sector.
In pursuit of this goal, the Governor highlighted his administration’s concerted efforts to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services, particularly at the grassroots level, aiming to bridge the existing disparities between primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities within the state.
With a clear focus on immediate impact, he emphasized the comprehensive reconstruction, rehabilitation, and upgrade of primary healthcare facilities across the state. This strategic initiative aims to seamlessly connect them with existing secondary and tertiary institutions, guaranteeing widespread access to top-tier healthcare services.
Addressing reporters at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the Governor discussed the significant strides made by his administration in the healthcare sector since assuming office. Nelson Chukwudi, his Chief Press Secretary, relayed this information.
Fubara identified some challenges that have frustrated smooth delivery of healthcare services in the State, and promised to tackle them.
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He said: “With all these on ground, it is evident that the primary challenges in our healthcare system are more with inadequate manpower, corruption, indiscipline and ineffective management.
“We will deal with all identified challenges and ensure that the healthcare system functions optimally to deliver affordable and efficient services to all citizens of the State.”
He highlighted that alongside the ongoing construction, renovation, and upgrading of primary healthcare centers throughout the state, considerable attention has been given to strengthening the capacity of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). This involves training personnel and establishing vital units equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure top-quality healthcare services for patients.
Fubara said: “We are proud of our modest achievements in the health sector, particularly in the construction of primary healthcare centres. We are also supporting the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital to perform optimally. Do not also forget the contributory healthcare insurance law that we have started implementing.
“I assure you that we will complete all the ongoing healthcare infrastructure projects that we have around the state.”
Concurrently, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the State Commissioner for Health, remarked that Governor Fubara’s leadership has led to significant advancements in establishing a resilient and comprehensive primary healthcare system within the State.
Dr. Oreh emphasized that the present focus is on revitalizing and improving existing primary healthcare facilities to enhance their effectiveness, ensuring that residents of Rivers State have access to affordable and readily accessible primary healthcare services.