The Rivers State Government has commenced the integration of mental health services into primary healthcare delivery, a move aimed at addressing rising psychological stress linked to economic hardship and social pressures.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara disclosed this while outlining achievements of his administration at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, stating that the initiative is designed to make mental health support accessible at the grassroots level.
According to Governor Fubara, many residents are grappling with anxiety, depression and other stress-related conditions due to prevailing economic realities.
He explained that bringing mental health services closer to communities would enable early intervention and reduce the burden on tertiary facilities.
He, however, noted that primary healthcare centres across the state are being strengthened not only to treat common ailments such as malaria and infectious diseases, but also to provide counselling, psychological support and referrals where necessary.
Furthermore, the Rivers State governor said the policy forms part of a broader effort to reposition the health sector, which includes the remodelling of numerous primary healthcare centres to restore functionality and improve service delivery, especially in rural areas where access to specialised care is limited.
At the secondary level, the government has also rehabilitated key zonal hospitals to expand treatment capacity, while tertiary institutions are receiving upgrades in equipment and personnel.
The governor highlighted ongoing improvements at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, including enhancements to critical care services.
In addition to infrastructure development, the administration has approved the recruitment of health professionals and improved staff welfare to ensure efficient service delivery across facilities.
Fubara further emphasised investment in medical education, revealing that scholarships for Rivers indigenes studying at the PAMO University of Medical Sciences have been increased to produce more qualified healthcare workers for the state.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a healthcare system that addresses both physical and mental wellbeing, stressing that accessible mental health care is essential for social stability and productivity.
Health experts have long advocated the integration of mental health into primary care, arguing that stigma, cost and shortage of specialists often prevent patients from seeking timely help. The state government expressed optimism that the new approach would encourage more people to access support without fear of discrimination.
Officials say the programme will be implemented in phases, with training for frontline health workers already underway to equip them with skills to identify and manage common mental health conditions.
The government maintained that the initiative reflects a people-centred approach to healthcare, aimed at ensuring that no resident is left without support during difficult times.
