Fubara Opens New General Hospital, Upgraded Neuropsychiatric Centre In Rivers

Rivers State has opened a new General Hospital at Rumuigbo and an upgraded Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara said the projects were meant to improve access to healthcare and provide better rehabilitation services for people with mental health needs.

Channels Television reported that the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, conceived in 1970 and commissioned in 1977 with about 50 beds, has been rebuilt into a modern 100-bed rehabilitation centre. Punch also reported the commissioning of the new general hospital and the upgraded mental health facility.

Fubara said the intervention began after he inspected the older facility and saw the pressure on the hospital management as it tried to build a rehabilitation centre from limited overhead funds.

He said the old hospital had become inadequate for the state’s population and that the new general hospital would give Obio/Akpor residents access to higher-level care beyond primary health centres.

Outgoing Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe commissioned the facilities during the association’s conference in Port Harcourt. Hospital officials said patient numbers had risen sharply as public confidence in state facilities improved.

Sources: Punch, Channels Television