The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB), under the leadership of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Chituru Adele, formally presented the revitalized Amadi-Ama Primary Health Care Centre to the community, marking a significant milestone in improving access to quality primary healthcare services. The event was coupled with a two-day free medical outreach designed to reintroduce the revitalized facility and its available services to the Amadi-Ama community.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including Dr. Adaeze Oreh, Honourable Commissioner for Health; Sir (Hon.) Allwell Ihunda, Mayor of Port Harcourt City and ALGON Chairman; Ms. Tom Quinn Mina Mildred, Deputy Mayor; Dr. Dawari George, Chairman of RSPHCMB; members of the PHALGA Legislative Council; the Chairman and members of the Amadi-Ama Council of Chiefs led by Chief Bethel Iringe Koko; Board members; Directors from the Ministry of Health and RSPHCMB; traditional leaders of the community; and other distinguished guests.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of RSPHCMB, Dr. Chituru Adele, reiterated the Board’s mandate to supervise and manage primary healthcare services across Rivers State, including routine medical care, disease prevention, antenatal services, and community outreach. He emphasized that effective service delivery is dependent on facility readiness, which encompasses adequate infrastructure, medical equipment, and proper furnishing. He noted that the Amadi-Ama Primary Health Care Centre was upgraded to meet these essential standards.
Dr. Adele also made an appeal to the State Government through the Honourable Commissioner for Health for improved human resource support to enhance service delivery. He added that the expected increase in patient volume resulting from the revitalization of previously moribund facilities would necessitate a corresponding increase in doctors, nurses, community health professionals, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians. He thanked all stakeholders for their support and urged community members to take ownership of the facility and fully utilize the services provided.
Similar to three other facilities presented over the previous three days, the Amadi-Ama facility was comprehensively renovated. Dilapidated and broken furniture and beds were replaced, new medical equipment was provided, and solar power was installed to ensure uninterrupted 24-hour hospital services. The two-day medical outreach featured routine health checks for hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions, as well as antenatal care, immunization services, breast cancer screening, and other essential health services.
The Chairman of RSPHCMB, Dr. Dawari George, officially handed over the revitalized facility to the Amadi-Ama community. He emphasized the importance of community ownership, protection, and oversight to ensure sustainability, urging health workers to maintain high professional standards while calling on the community to actively participate in monitoring the facility.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Chairman of the Amadi-Ama Council of Chiefs, who commended the initiative and encouraged sustained community participation to protect and support the facility.
In her address, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, stated that the healthcare facility belongs to the people and commended RSPHCMB for demonstrating the government’s commitment through strategic investments in primary healthcare. She emphasized that strengthening healthcare infrastructure remains a core responsibility of government and applauded the collaboration between the Port Harcourt City Local Government and the Traditional Rulers’ Council, including the planned donation of ultrasound machines to support pregnancy monitoring. She further pledged to advocate for adequate human resources, while stressing the importance of community ownership, regular oversight visits, and effective facility management for sustainability.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Sir (Hon.) Allwell Ihunda, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government and RSPHCMB for prioritizing primary healthcare at the grassroots. He described the revitalized facility as a critical asset to the Amadi-Ama community, encouraged residents to maximize the services provided, and recommended the establishment of a community-based committee to support oversight, maintenance, and smooth operation of the health centre.
The programme concluded with a guided tour of the facility led by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, showcasing the extensive upgrades and confirming the readiness of the health centre to deliver quality services to the Amadi-Ama community.
The revitalized Amadi-Ama Primary Health Care Centre represents another major step toward improving healthcare access, empowering communities, and achieving better health outcomes for the people of Rivers State.