The maxim stating that health is wealth will remain incontrovertible across generations until proven otherwise. And of course, even the greatest researchers and knowledgeable folks have come to terms with that basic fact.
Quality and efficient healthcare delivery indubitably remains one of the major development parameters that global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and its like apply in measuring the viability and worthiness of various nations’ health facilities and care systems. It is no wonder that Sir Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State is particular about improving the State’s health sector to meet global standards.
Since his assumption of office, he has made significant impact in the provision of critical support required for the maintenance of a robust healthcare delivery system in the state. As part of his policy thrust, he strategically appointed a seasoned and well-trained medical practitioner, Dr Adaeze Oreh, as the Commissioner for Health to help optimize the available facilities and initiate approaches for the installation of new ones.
In line with his consolidation agenda, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has systematically implemented healthcare related policies that will progressively increase access to health services for Rivers people through the Contributory Health Protection Insurance Programme by appointing Dr. Vetty Agala as the Acting Executive Secretary. This, for the first time, will give Rivers people the opportunity to save for their healthcare and enjoy quality health services without hitches.
Inclusive of increasing funding for the sector, Governor Fubara has been improving medical governance by putting square pegs in square holes, supporting the supply chains within the sector and, above all, enhancing motivation for the workforce in the sector. This is evident in his recent approval for promotion of over 400 staff of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the recruitment of additional 500 staff to strengthen the workforce of the institution. In fact, Governor Fubara’s level of attention on the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital has made it to stand out as a center of excellence in healthcare delivery and medical education. This attention bridges the critical gap in the health sector investment in the state.
Of course, on September 21, 2023 the Intensive Care Unit of the Teaching Hospital came alive with its official inauguration. The unit has the best of medical facilities that include: monitors, ventilators, pulse oximeter, crash cart, IV Catheter, urine catheter and pleur-evac amongst others. The radiography section of the Hospital also has new equipment that include CT, 1.5 Tesla MRI Scanner, mobile X-ray and ultrasound scanners.
The revolutionary effort in the sector was acknowledged by a team of medical experts from Stanford Royal Hospital of Manchester in the United Kingdom and the American Consul-General who visited the institution in recent times. They expressed satisfaction with the robust investment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his impeccable attention to healthcare delivery in the state.
Also recently, Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered the remodeling and restructuring of the Psychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo to meet global standards and modern realities.
Indeed, the efforts of providing the best for the sector cuts across all health facilities in the state. The efforts include the acquisition and installation of the requisite state-of-the-art medical equipment in various hospitals across the state. Most of the near moribund Primary Healthcare Centres across the 23 local government areas have been gradually reactivated and healthcare services are being delivered to the rural people.
Again, the opening for use of the Dental Maxillofacial Ear Nose and Throat as well as the Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospitals in Port Harcourt were significant actions that have received wide applause from far and near.
Beside those laudable efforts, Governor Siminalayi Fubara recently increased the number of scholarships for indigenes of Rivers State studying at PAMO University of Medical Sciences from 100 to 150. This is remarkable as it boosts the state’s commitment to medical personnel training and preparedness to supply other states with medical personnel in the near future.
Obviously, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is silently leaving impactful legacies in the health sector that Rivers people will continually be grateful for.
