Governor Siminalayi Fubara has outlined an ambitious plan to reposition Rivers State as a leading destination for medical tourism, placing strong emphasis on expanding the healthcare workforce and upgrading critical infrastructure.
In a goodwill message to mark World Health Day yesterday, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering accessible, affordable and high-quality healthcare for all residents.
A key pillar of the governor’s “Renewed Health” agenda has been the deliberate expansion of medical personnel across the state.
Since taking office, the administration has recruited more than 2,000 health workers, aimed at improving service delivery across primary, secondary and tertiary facilities.
In addition, 500 specialised staff have been deployed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, bolstering its capacity to handle more complex medical cases.
The government has also approved the promotion of over 400 existing staff members at the hospital, a move widely seen as a boost to morale among frontline healthcare professionals.
Beyond staffing, the administration has focused on restoring and expanding healthcare facilities that had previously fallen into disrepair.
READ ALSO
Zonal hospitals in Bori, Omoku, Ahoada and Degema have undergone significant rehabilitation, bringing essential services closer to underserved communities.
At the primary care level, the government has remodelled 153 Primary Healthcare Centres, improving access to basic medical services at the grassroots.
This effort is further supported by the rollout of the State Health Insurance Scheme, designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure more residents can access care without financial strain.
Reflecting this year’s theme for World Health Day, “Together for health: Stand with science”, Fubara highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, which recognises the link between human, animal and environmental wellbeing.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
He urged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles, maintain proper hygiene and take proactive steps to prevent disease.
“Our administration remains committed to improving healthcare in Rivers State by prioritising initiatives that promote quality care for all,” the governor said.
“Our goal is to make Rivers State a true health tourism hub where healthcare is both accessible and affordable.”
He added that sustained progress would depend not only on government investment but also on active community participation in health awareness and preventive practices.
