Residents of Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State have raised concerns over the non-functionality of a public health facility in the community, as the world marks World Health Day.
Findings by The Guardian revealed that the only health facility serving the area has been abandoned for years and is now dilapidated, with critical infrastructure vandalised by hoodlums.
The paramount ruler of Elele Alimini, Eze Peter Wagbara, lamented that repeated appeals to relevant authorities, including the State House of Assembly, to rehabilitate and reactivate the hospital had yielded no results.
"The hospital remains unattended to, inactive and overgrown with weeds. It is unfortunate," he said.
Residents, particularly women, decried the hardship caused by the absence of a functional healthcare centre, noting that accessing medical care has become increasingly difficult.
According to them, sick persons are often compelled to travel long distances to Choba or Ahoada about one hour, 30 minutes' drive to receive treatment.
An elder in the community, Hyginus Opaka, described the situation as dire, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women who must travel far for antenatal care and treatment.
"This has made life very difficult for everyone. It is worse for pregnant women who have to go long distances each time they need care. When the hospital became inactive, people started vandalising it," he said.
Another community leader added that residents now rely heavily on private health facilities, which are often unaffordable. "We need a nearby functional hospital," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state.
In a goodwill message to mark World Health Day, the governor pledged to prioritise initiatives that guarantee access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents.
He urged citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles, maintain proper hygiene, and take preventive measures against diseases, while also emphasising the role of communities in promoting health awareness.
"On this World Health Day, I extend warm greetings to all Rivers people. Our administration remains committed to improving healthcare delivery, with a focus on accessibility and affordability for all," Fubara said.
He noted that his administration had made significant strides in the sector, including the recruitment of over 2,000 health workers, revitalisation of several health facilities, and the establishment of a health insurance scheme.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, the government has revived and expanded previously abandoned health facilities, including zonal hospitals in Bori, Omoku, Ahoada and Degema.
The statement added that 153 Primary Healthcare Centres have been remodelled across the state to enhance service delivery, while over 400 staff of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital have been promoted, alongside the recruitment of an additional 500 personnel to strengthen the workforce.
World Health Day is observed annually on April 7 to raise awareness on global health issues.
The theme for this year, "Together for Health: Stand with Science," underscores the importance of scientific research, collaboration, and evidence-based solutions in advancing healthcare, while promoting the One Health approach that links human, animal, plant and environmental health