Rivers Health Sector Records Historic Milestones: 500,000 Enrolled in Insurance Scheme as Zonal Hospitals Set for Commissioning

 In a landmark address detailing the rapid transformation of healthcare delivery in the Niger Delta, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, **Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh**, has announced that over half a million citizens are now covered under the state’s health insurance schemes.

Speaking at the Ministry of Health Conference Room at the State Secretariat on Monday, December 8, 2025, during a Media Appreciation event, Dr. Oreh provided a comprehensive scorecard of the **#Health4AllRivers 7-Point Strategy**. She highlighted significant strides in universal health coverage, emergency medical services, and massive infrastructure upgrades under the administration of His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State.

Dr. Oreh revealed that since the operationalization of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RivCHPP) in January 2024, enrollment figures have skyrocketed.

"Where we stand as of now is that the total number of health insured in Rivers State has crossed half a million. That is between RivCHPP and the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA)," Dr. Oreh stated.

She emphasized that the scheme has adopted an inclusive approach, specifically targeting vulnerable populations, including Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) and those living with HIV/AIDS, particularly in the wake of dwindling donor funding for HIV programs. This aggressive expansion recently earned Rivers State a special commendation from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) as one of the top five states with the highest enrollment numbers in the past year.

 Infrastructure: Zonal Hospitals and the "Rumuigbo Transformation".

The Commissioner provided critical updates on the state's ambitious infrastructure projects. following the successful commissioning of the Zonal Hospital in Bori in March 2025, Dr. Oreh confirmed that the Zonal Hospital in Ahoada is next in line for commissioning, with the Zonal Hospital in Omoku following closely.

Dr. Oreh also highlighted the massive upgrade of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Rumuigbo. She clarified that the facility is evolving into a comprehensive health complex that will include:

* A dedicated Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Center.

* A research and training hub for behavioral medicine.

* A new General Hospital to serve Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, which previously lacked such a facility.

"It is not just a neuropsychiatric hospital... We are positioning Rivers State to be a leading light in the provision of comprehensive services to tackle the ravaging problem of substance abuse in the region," she affirmed, noting that the Rumuigbo complex is slated for completion by Q1 2026.

Additionally, the General Hospital in Bonny is nearing completion, and renovation works have commenced at the Opobo General Hospital to ensure no gap in healthcare delivery for the riverine communities.

 Emergency Services Saving Mothers

A major highlight of the briefing was the success of the relaunched Rivers State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (REMSAS). Since its relaunch in July 2024, the service has handled over 2,000 emergency cases.

Critically, Dr. Oreh noted that 60% of these interventions involved pregnant women, a statistic that directly correlates with the state's efforts to reduce maternal mortality.

 "These efforts to address maternal emergencies are contributing to tackling maternal death rates in the state... The majority of the emergencies that our teams get called out for are pregnant women," Dr. Oreh explained.

Workforce Welfare and Industrial Harmony

Addressing the welfare of healthcare workers, the Commissioner commended the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) and other state health workers for their dedication, noting that resident doctors in state employ did not join the recent national strike action.

She attributed this industrial harmony to the Governor’s "holistic approach" to welfare, which ensures that remuneration upgrades and allowances—such as the recently paid accoutrement allowance—are applied across the board to doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to prevent systemic dissatisfaction.

 Revitalizing Industry

Touching on the Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, Dr. Oreh assured the press that the state has secured credible private sector investment to revitalize the factory. She dismissed fears regarding the facility's safety, confirming that 24-hour security is in place to prevent looting and protect the incoming massive investment aimed at making Rivers State a hub for medical consumables.

As the state approaches the Christmas period, the first set of completed projects will be commissioned, with a second wave of project launches directed by His Excellency in the New Year.

By: Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel