Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made a definitive commitment to to Fix Failing Healthcare System in Rivers, asserting that his administration will prioritize the sector as a core pillar of his developmental agenda. Speaking during a strategic inspection of primary and secondary health facilities across the state on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the Governor emphasized that the era of dilapidated hospital infrastructure and inadequate medical equipment is coming to an end.
He declared that the health of the citizens is a non-negotiable priority, stating that his government has already begun the process of auditing existing facilities to identify critical gaps in service delivery and personnel requirements.
According to the Governor, the revitalization plan is designed to be comprehensive, focusing not only on the physical renovation of buildings but also on the recruitment of qualified medical professionals and the provision of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Fubara noted that for the state to achieve sustainable economic growth, its workforce must be healthy and productive, which can only be guaranteed through accessible and affordable medical care.
He further disclosed that the state is working on a robust health insurance scheme intended to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for low-income families, ensuring that no resident of Rivers State is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints.
A major focus of the new initiative is the strengthening of primary healthcare centers in the rural and riverine communities. The Governor explained that these facilities serve as the first line of defense against disease and that their neglect has placed undue pressure on the tertiary hospitals in the state capital.
By upgrading these centers and ensuring they are staffed with resident doctors and nurses, the administration aims to curb maternal and infant mortality rates significantly. Fubara assured the public that the procurement processes for essential drugs and modern medical supplies have been streamlined to prevent shortages and ensure that public pharmacies are consistently stocked with affordable medication.
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In addition to infrastructure and staffing, the Governor highlighted the importance of technological integration within the healthcare sector. He announced that the state is exploring the implementation of a digital health records system to allow for seamless patient tracking and data-driven decision-making.
This modernization effort is expected to reduce wait times in hospitals and improve the overall efficiency of clinical operations. Fubara urged private sector players and international development partners to collaborate with the state government, noting that the task of building a world-class health system requires a unified approach and significant capital investment.
As the administration moves into the implementation phase of these reforms, the Governor has directed the Ministry of Health to provide monthly progress reports on the status of ongoing hospital projects. He warned that any contractors found to be compromising on quality or delaying project timelines would be held accountable, as the lives of Rivers people are at stake.
With these planned interventions, the Governor is positioning the state as a potential hub for medical tourism in the South-South region, aiming to reverse the trend of citizens seeking medical treatment abroad while creating a sustainable model for public health excellence.