An advocacy group, African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR), has hailed Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State for approval of contracts for the completion of four zonal hospitals across the State.
The Rivers State Executive Council had on Friday deliberated and approved N26,350,310,714.88 for the completion and renovation of Bonny General Hospital; upgrade of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo; as well as construction of new General Hospital at Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor local government area of the State.
The zonal hospitals are located in Ahoada Town in Ahoada local government area; Degema Town in Degema local government area; Omoku Town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area, and Bori Town in Khana local government area of the State.
The State Government said that it decided to complete the construction of the Zonal Hospitals in four local government areas of the State in order to strengthen the secondary level healthcare service delivery to the people of the State.
ACHJR, in a statement by its South-South Program Officer, Chukwudi Kenchez, commended Governor Fubara, saying that the completion of the hospitals was a huge step solving the healthcare needs of the Rivers people and other Nigerians.
The group said that Fubara has proven that the well-being of Rivers people was his utmost priority, adding that once completed, the hospitals will provide employments and reduce medical tourism.
ACHJR said, “This is highly commendable. Governor Fubara in one year has proven that he cares about Rivers people and is ensuring that their yearnings are met through good governance. Primary health care is the cornerstone aimed at creating the conditions that improve the general health of the people, meet the particular needs of patients, families and communities.
“Our primary health care system needs therefore to be innovative and driven, in such a manner that it emphasizes quality in service delivery. The yearning of the citizens is quality and affordable health care facilities across the country and with this approval for the completion and renovation of Bonny General Hospital; upgrade of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Rumuigbo; as well as construction of new General Hospital at Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, Nigeria will gradually get it right in terms of health infrastructure.”