A House of Representatives Committee on Health has commended the Rivers State Government for demonstrable improvements in healthcare delivery during a recent oversight visit to Port Harcourt. Committee members praised the state’s investment in primary healthcare centres, emergency response and routine immunisation coverage.
During a tour of selected facilities, lawmakers noted better infrastructure, improved staffing levels at some public hospitals, upgraded maternity wards and new ambulances that have enhanced referral systems. The committee chairman urged the state to sustain these reforms, expand training for health workers, and ensure maintenance budgets are ring-fenced so gains are not eroded.
Rivers State officials attributed progress to deliberate policy choices and targeted capital releases, saying partnerships with donors and private partners have helped equip facilities and train personnel. They also highlighted community health programmes that increased antenatal attendance and childhood vaccination rates in several local government areas.
The committee promised to relay its findings to the House and to support federal collaboration where required, while cautioning that further consolidation is needed — particularly on medical supply chains, staff remuneration and integrating data systems for real-time monitoring across facilities.
