PORT HARCOURT—In a move to transform the healthcare landscape and safeguard the well-being of its citizens, the Rivers State Government has unveiled a series of state-of-the-art assets aimed at revolutionizing primary healthcare delivery across the state. On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Primary Healthcare Management Board Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, led the commissioning of a suite of modern healthcare facilities and equipment that are set to touch lives, protect communities, and build a healthier future.
Speaking during the ceremony, which was attended by a broad cross-section of stakeholders—including monarchs, political leaders, healthcare professionals and representatives from development partners—the Deputy Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in healthcare infrastructure. “We are genuinely opening up avenues to ensure that our healthcare delivery system is robust, resilient, and capable of meeting the needs of our people. Our mission is not just to inaugurate new equipment but to lay a solid foundation for sustainable, high-quality healthcare in Rivers State,” she declared.
The newly commissioned assets include a Solarized Walk-In Cold Room, two Vaccine Vial Crushers, nine operational Hilux vehicles designated for Local Government Areas (LGAs), and ten motorcycles for disease surveillance across the state. Each component of this comprehensive initiative plays a critical role in ensuring the efficacy of vaccines and improving the overall responsiveness of primary healthcare services.
The Solarized Walk-In Cold Room, a centerpiece of the new installation, is designed to maintain the potency of life-saving immunizations by providing an energy-efficient, stable storage environment. “Maintaining vaccine efficacy is crucial. Our new cold chain facility harnesses solar energy to ensure that vaccines remain potent, even in remote areas where electricity supply can be erratic,” explained Prof. Odu, who also serves as the Chairman of the Rivers State Task Force on Primary Health Care.
In addition to the cold storage facility, the installation of Vaccine Vial Crushers is set to enhance vaccine management protocols by ensuring that any expired or damaged vials are disposed of safely, thereby preventing contamination and wastage. These innovative devices are part of a broader strategy to implement best practices in vaccine handling, which is particularly important in a region where primary healthcare serves as the backbone of public health.
Rivers State has long recognized that effective healthcare delivery depends on reliable infrastructure and efficient logistics. The nine Hilux vehicles and ten motorcycles commissioned during the event are tailored to improve the mobility of healthcare services. The vehicles are earmarked for use by LGAs, facilitating rapid response and timely delivery of medical supplies to even the most remote communities. “These mobility solutions are vital. They will enable us to move personnel and medical supplies quickly, especially during emergencies, ensuring that no citizen is left behind,” stated Prof. Odu.
The event was attended by representatives from prominent global development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHI). Their presence underscores the international support and collaborative efforts behind the initiative. The Deputy Governor expressed deep gratitude for this support, stating, “Our partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, CHI, and other global allies have been instrumental in helping us achieve our targets. Their commitment has given us great mileage in our pursuit of a healthier Rivers State.”
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Also in attendance were local dignitaries such as the Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati, Chairman of ALGON, Rivers State, who presented their goodwill messages. Their participation reflected a united front from both the public and private sectors, all converging on a common goal: to enhance the quality of healthcare and improve the standard of living for the people of Rivers State.
Earlier in the event, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Prof. Kinikanwo Green, emphasized the critical role of primary healthcare. “Primary healthcare takes care of about 80 percent of the health needs of our people. Strengthening it is not merely an option—it is a necessity for ensuring that every citizen receives the care they deserve,” he noted. This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience, who have long been advocates for improved healthcare infrastructure in the state.
The comprehensive approach taken by the Rivers State Government reflects the overarching vision of the current administration under the leadership of State Chief Executive, Sir Dr. Siminalayi Fubara. The administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is centered on delivering tangible benefits to citizens through strategic investments in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. “This comprehensive approach, combining storage facilities, vaccine management equipment, and mobility solutions, reflects our understanding that effective healthcare delivery requires robust systems and infrastructure,” Prof. Odu affirmed with conviction.
The commissioning of these assets represents more than just a technological upgrade; it symbolizes a commitment to the future of public health in Rivers State. By investing in modern, sustainable solutions, the government aims to reduce the cost of healthcare, lower the risk of vaccine spoilage, and ultimately save lives. This initiative is expected to have a cascading effect on the entire healthcare ecosystem, leading to better health outcomes, reduced mortality, and improved quality of life for all residents.
As Rivers State continues its journey towards a healthier future, the investment in advanced healthcare infrastructure stands as a beacon of hope and progress. With the successful commissioning of the Solarized Walk-In Cold Room, Vaccine Vial Crushers, and enhanced mobility assets, the state is poised to set a new benchmark for primary healthcare delivery in the South-South region of Nigeria. The promise of improved service delivery and strengthened healthcare systems is not just a vision for today but a commitment to the well-being of future generations.
The event concluded on a high note, with the Deputy Governor and other officials urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the shared goal of sustainable development. “Every asset of this organization will be put to maximum use for the benefit of our people,” Prof. Odu stated. With such initiatives in place, Rivers State is well on its way to building a resilient, inclusive, and thriving healthcare system that truly touches lives.
