Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday inaugurated the remodelled and expanded Ahoada Zonal Hospital, ending years of neglect that stalled the project across three successive administrations.
The facility has been transformed into a 21st-century ultramodern medical centre with a 105-bed capacity.
Originally a basic structure, the hospital’s scope was significantly expanded by the Fubara administration to include specialised units for surgery, radiology, intensive care (ICU), neonatal care, and modern delivery suites.
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Located in Ahoada Town, the hospital is strategically positioned to serve as a critical secondary healthcare hub for the Rivers West Senatorial District.
It is expected to provide advanced diagnostics and trauma care for residents of Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, and Emohua Local Government Areas, thereby reducing the patient load on tertiary institutions like the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
During the inauguration, Fubara described the project as a “complicated inheritance” that his administration prioritised to ensure the survival and well-being of the people.
“No matter how much wealth you have, you need good health to enjoy it. Your health is important to us. Your business survival is important to us,” the governor stated.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, provided a technical overview, revealing that health facility attendance in the region has surged by nearly 200% jumping from roughly 407,000 to nearly 1.2 million patients annually.
According to Oreh, the hospital now features a fully equipped ground floor housing the reception area, pharmacy, and radiology suites.
She explained that the upper floors contain modern laboratories, double-suite operating theatres, and private wards designed to improve patient comfort and care.
Oreh added that the facility also offers specialised services, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and enhanced obstetric care, aimed at reducing the high rate of maternal mortality in neighbouring local government areas.
Fubara confirmed that the Ahoada facility is part of a broader network intended to bring world-class medicine to rural communities.
He outlined progress across other zonal hospitals, stating that the Bori Zonal Hospital was fully operational and completed, while the Ahoada Zonal Hospital was also operational and scheduled for completion by December 2025.
He added that construction work was ongoing at the Degema and Omoku Zonal Hospitals, with both facilities expected to be completed before March 2026.
Responding to community needs, the governor assured residents that work is ongoing on the Port Harcourt Road, including bridge construction.
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Regarding the Ahoada Campus of Rivers State University, he promised to review management reports to determine the next steps for the institution.
Fubara urged the people to sustain their grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasising that his administration remains committed to projects that offer tangible democratic benefits.
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