Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Port Harcourt — The Honourable Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has continued an intensive inspection tour of healthcare facilities across the state, as part of efforts to strengthen service delivery and ensure that public health infrastructure meets required standards.
Dr. Oreh’s engagements on Tuesday took her to Opobo Zonal Hospital, Terrabor General Hospital in Gokana Local Government Area, and Bonny General Hospital, where she assessed ongoing projects, interacted with healthcare personnel and reviewed the quality of services being rendered to residents.
At Opobo Zonal Hospital, which is currently under construction, the commissioner closely examined the pace and quality of work on the site. Officials accompanying her explained that the facility is expected to serve as a major referral centre for surrounding riverine communities once completed. Dr. Oreh stressed the importance of adhering strictly to approved timelines and specifications, noting that delays or substandard work could undermine the government’s broader healthcare reform agenda.
She emphasised that the state government remains committed to delivering modern, well-equipped hospitals capable of meeting the needs of both urban and rural populations. According to her, the Opobo project is a strategic investment aimed at expanding access to secondary healthcare in hard-to-reach areas and reducing the burden on tertiary facilities in Port Harcourt.
The commissioner later proceeded to Terrabor General Hospital in Gokana, where she inspected wards, laboratories and support services. During the visit, she engaged directly with doctors, nurses and other health workers to obtain first-hand feedback on operational challenges, staffing levels and equipment needs. Dr. Oreh reiterated the administration’s resolve to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals, describing them as central to the delivery of safe and effective care.
At Bonny General Hospital, the final stop on her tour, the commissioner reviewed service delivery across key departments and assessed the hospital’s capacity to respond to emergencies and routine healthcare demands. She also interacted with patients and caregivers, listening to their experiences and concerns regarding access, waiting times and quality of care.
Across the three facilities, Dr. Oreh underscored that the inspection tour was not merely ceremonial but part of a broader monitoring framework designed to ensure accountability, efficiency and continuous improvement within the state’s health system. She noted that regular on-the-spot assessments help government officials identify gaps early and take corrective action before they escalate into systemic problems.
The Rivers State Ministry of Health has, in recent months, intensified oversight of public health facilities as part of reforms aimed at strengthening primary and secondary healthcare, improving infrastructure and boosting public confidence in government hospitals. The commissioner said these efforts align with the state government’s commitment to universal health coverage and the provision of quality, affordable healthcare for all residents.
Dr. Oreh assured staff and residents that observations made during the visits would inform policy decisions, budgetary priorities and follow-up interventions. She added that the ministry would continue to engage stakeholders at all levels to ensure that healthcare facilities across Rivers State operate at optimal standards.
The inspection tour has been welcomed by healthcare workers and community members, many of whom expressed hope that sustained oversight and investment would translate into better-equipped hospitals, improved staff morale and enhanced patient care.
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