Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State has issued a directive for the comprehensive refurbishment of the Psychiatric Hospital situated in Rumuigbo, Obio Akpor Local Government Area.
During an unscheduled inspection visit to the mental health facility, Governor Fubara emphasized the immediate need to commence renovation work.
He underscored the hospital’s critical importance to individuals coping with mental health issues, as well as to medical students in the state who rely on it for training.
According to Boniface Onyedi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Fubara conveyed the instruction while evaluating the progress of the construction of a 44-bed center for drug addicts, alongside an additional 10-bed space for private patients.
Expressing his concerns, Governor Fubara stated, “During my visit, I observed that the Psychiatric Hospital, which I had known for many years, remains unchanged. It is crucial that we undertake a thorough rehabilitation of the facility to ensure its competitiveness and alignment with modern standards.”
He directed the Commissioner of Health to initiate the necessary procedures for the complete overhaul of the entire facility, aiming to bring it up to current standards and meet the community’s evolving needs.
Accompanied by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, Governor Fubara commended her efforts and announced the government’s decision to take over the project. Additionally, he pledged to expand the bed capacity to approximately 100 beds initially to accommodate a larger number of patients.
Fubara remarked, “The commendable work being carried out here with internally generated revenue is acknowledged. However, we must redouble our efforts. Therefore, the government will assume control of the project and increase the bed capacity to around 100 beds to cater to a growing patient population.”
