Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has employed over 1000 health workers in his resolve to improve healthcare delivery across the state after more than eight years of neglect in healthcare delivery and manpower.
The first batch of successful candidates, numbering over 500, received their appointment letters during a ceremony organized by the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board.
Speaking with newsmen at the event, the Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Bright Ogbonda, said:
“A few months ago, Governor Fubara graciously approved the employment of 2,000 healthcare personnel—1,000 for the Hospitals Management Board and 1,000 for the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. Today, we are issuing the first batch of employment letters to the successful candidates.
“This move has significantly boosted the human capacity of our healthcare system. Rivers State now has 25 general hospitals, with more coming soon, and the governor has upgraded zonal hospitals in Bori, Ahoada, Degema, and the Psychiatric Hospital, among others. With this addition to the workforce, nearly all hospitals will now have at least 7 to 15 doctors and 20 to 35 nurses. This will ensure that quality healthcare reaches the people.”
“Dr. Ogbonda praised Governor Fubara for his health-friendly policies, describing him as a “superlative performer,” and assured that the new employees would complete their documentation and resume duty in various hospitals by December 1, 2024.
“Also addressing the media, Prof. Daprim Ogaji, Chairman of the Rivers State Hospitals Management Board, highlighted the significance of the exercise:
“This is a dream come true. Health service delivery is highly dependent on human resources, and for a long time, we have struggled to replenish our workforce in secondary healthcare. Today, thanks to Governor Fubara’s approval, we are witnessing a major step forward.
“These employees, from various disciplines critical to secondary healthcare, will bring new energy and meet pressing needs across local governments. We expect a significant improvement in service delivery for our communities.”
“The event marks a major milestone in Governor Fubara’s commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to the people, ensuring that no community or local government is left behind. With a workforce ready to deploy, Rivers State hospitals are set to deliver improved healthcare for residents.
