Fubara unveils new hospital, upgraded neuropsychiatric centre

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara inaugurated a new Neuropsychiatric Hospital and a General Hospital at Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Thursday. The neuropsychiatric hospital, which was conceived in 1970 and originally had a capacity of 50 beds, has been upgraded to a 100-bed standard rehabilitation centre for mental health and substance abuse issues.

The governor noted that the mental health challenges in the region are often due to unemployment, depression and other psychological pressures, and that the new facility would address these issues. The General Hospital, located in one of the largest local government areas in the state, provides standard healthcare services equivalent to tertiary facilities, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances.

Governor Fubara emphasized the importance of investment in education, healthcare and housing as pillars of a functional society and appealed to the LGA chairman and community members to take ownership of the facilities. The outgoing President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, commended the government for prioritizing the health of the people and urged the public to refrain from stigmatizing individuals seeking treatment at the neuropsychiatric hospital.

The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health detailed the various units and facilities within both hospitals, including Accident and Emergency services, consulting rooms, pharmacy, laboratory, X-ray rooms, delivery rooms, maternity, postnatal and antenatal wards, operating theatres, ICU, paediatric wards, male and female general wards, private wards, recreational spaces, and staff quarters.