The Rivers State Government has officially reopened the ₦26 billion Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, now renamed the Peter Odili Specialist Hospital (POSH), with the commencement of cancer and cardiac outpatient services for members of the public.
The reopening was announced on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, who said the move reflects Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s determination to ensure that completed public projects are fully utilised to improve the welfare and quality of life of Rivers people.
The specialist hospital, located along Ikwerre Road in Rumuokwuta, was originally commissioned more than three years ago but remained largely non-functional due to a range of technical, operational, and administrative challenges. According to Dr. Oreh, the present administration took decisive steps to address those challenges, leading to the revitalisation and operational take-off of the facility.
She explained that the 72-bed hospital is designed to serve as a major referral and treatment centre for Rivers State, the South-South region, and the wider Niger Delta, particularly in the management of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, kidney-related conditions, and other non-communicable diseases.
“The primary motivation for reopening this facility is Mr. Governor’s strong belief that no public asset, especially one designed to save lives, should be left idle,” Oreh said. “This administration is committed to making sure that investments in health and social development directly benefit the people.”
Dr. Oreh noted that outpatient services have commenced, while preparations are ongoing for the gradual activation of additional specialist services. She disclosed that state-of-the-art medical equipment, including advanced cancer treatment technologies that were not part of the hospital’s original design, are expected to be delivered and installed in the coming weeks to further enhance service delivery.
She added that the reopening of the hospital is strategically aligned with World Cancer Day, marked annually on February 4, describing the facility as a critical pillar in Rivers State’s efforts toward cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and patient rehabilitation.
“The timing is symbolic and deliberate,” she said. “As we approach World Cancer Day 2026, the Peter Odili Specialist Hospital stands as a beacon of hope for patients who previously had to travel long distances or even outside the country for specialised care.”
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Beyond patient treatment, the commissioner said the hospital will also function as a training and research hub, following a planned partnership with the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). The collaboration is expected to strengthen medical education and capacity building for undergraduate and postgraduate trainees, while also opening doors for international partnerships with experienced medical specialists.
According to Oreh, the partnership will help improve the skills of healthcare workers in the state and reduce the brain drain often associated with the search for advanced training opportunities abroad.
She further disclosed that the Ministry of Health will maintain direct ministerial oversight of the hospital to ensure that operations meet required professional and ethical standards. This, she said, is in line with Governor Fubara’s “Health for All Rivers” agenda, which prioritises universal health coverage, access to quality care, and efficient use of public health infrastructure.
“The goal is not just to reopen the hospital, but to sustain it at the highest level of performance,” Oreh stated. “We want residents of Rivers State to have confidence that world-class healthcare is available right here at home.”
The reopening of the Peter Odili Specialist Hospital has been welcomed by residents and health stakeholders, many of whom described it as a significant step toward addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in the state and the region.
With cancer and cardiovascular diseases accounting for a growing percentage of deaths in Nigeria, observers say the full activation of the facility could significantly reduce medical tourism, ease pressure on existing hospitals, and improve health outcomes for thousands of patients.
The Rivers State Government has assured the public that further updates will be provided as more services come on stream and the hospital moves toward full operational capacity.
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