For decades, residents of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have had to contend with the absence of a general hospital or secondary healthcare facility, despite the area’s population and strategic importance.
That situation has now changed, as the Rivers State Government has commissioned a new general hospital and a new 105-bed Neuropsychiatric Hospital, in what the administration describes as a major step towards bringing quality healthcare closer to the people.
It may pride itself as one of the largest local government areas in Nigeria, but until now, Obio-Akpor could not boast of a government-owned general hospital.
For residents, access to secondary healthcare often meant travelling outside the local government area to seek medical attention.
That is now history.
The Siminalayi Fubara administration has commissioned a new general hospital in Obio-Akpor, equipped to provide a range of secondary healthcare services to residents.
The Governor says the project is driven by his administration’s commitment to putting the people first and ensuring that quality and affordable healthcare is available within easy reach of communities.
Also commissioned is a modern 100-bed Neuropsychiatric Hospital, designed to provide specialised care for people living with mental health conditions.
The facility is expected to strengthen the state’s capacity to provide specialised psychiatric services while reducing the burden on existing healthcare institutions.
Governor Fubara invited the outgoing President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, to inaugurate the two projects.
The NBA President commended the Fubara administration for expanding access to quality and affordable medical services for residents.
For the people of Obio-Akpor, the commissioning marks the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare delivery, one in which access to secondary and specialised medical care no longer requires a journey outside their local government area.
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