Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State has ruled out the possibility of free medical services in Rivers state, disclosing that his administration had spent over N9 billion in upgrading structures and installation of new equipment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).
The Governor said this on Friday, at the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of a Renal Centre at RSUTH.
He disclosed that the fact that 40 per cent of the 2021 budget of the state is dedicated to the provision of quality healthcare delivery is a demonstration of the priority placed on the sector
“As we came on here, I just looked around and I see the changes in this teaching hospital. I can say that we have put not less than N9billion in this teaching hospital.
“If you look at the budget, the health sector alone, what it’s taking from the Rivers state government is not less than 40 percent of the 2021 budget.”
Speaking further, Governor Wike said the state government cannot afford to implement free medical service programme in the present economic circumstance.
While dismissing the request for a subvention for RSUTH, Governor Wike, however, commended the Chief Medical Director and his team for their commitment to turn around the fortunes of RSUTH.
“I have never seen anywhere that health services can be totally free. They’re telling me that people who come here can’t pay. I have never declared that this state is going to take over the health fees of anybody.” he said
Former Minister of Transportation, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, who performed the flag-off, noted that Governor Wike’s achievements in the health sector has surpassed what former Governors of the state had done.
The Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Friday Aaron while commending Governor Wike for approving the renal centre, explained that chronic kidney disease is a major burden globally with an estimated 14 million cases in Nigeria.
Aaron revealed that the building that will house the centre is expected to be completed in six months as Governor Wike has released the funds required to build, equip the centre as well as for the training of personnel locally and internationally.
