The Rivers State Ministry of Health has announced plans to provide free surgical operations and other healthcare programmes in all government-accredited facilities across the state to commemorate Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s 50th birthday on Tuesday.
The initiative, which will run for one week, is organised in collaboration with the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, and 50 individuals are expected to benefit from the free surgeries.
Speaking during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said the programme underscored the government’s commitment to accessible healthcare and social equity, aligning with the “Health For All Rivers” vision championed by Governor Fubara.
Oreh highlighted the healthcare initiatives under the programme, which include the Sim Jara Health Scheme, expanded health coverage for vulnerable populations, and the mass enrolment of 50,000 vulnerable persons across all 23 local government areas of the state.
According to the commissioner, the surgeries will be available to enrollees of the Sim Jara Health Scheme, and the programme will run from Monday to Friday.
Additionally, the government announced special health packages targeting specific groups, such as residents of state-operated care homes, pensioners, pregnant women, and individuals in correctional facilities.
“The first 50 individuals who subscribe to the Sim Jara Health Plan and require surgery will be eligible for free surgeries as part of this milestone celebration,” Oreh stated. “This initiative reflects our commitment to financial protection and access to life-saving surgical interventions for our people.”
She further explained that the ministry would fully enroll vulnerable groups into the RIVCHPP Equity Health Plan, ensuring comprehensive and free healthcare coverage while eliminating financial barriers to essential medical services.
The Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, elaborated on the services, noting that beneficiaries can receive up to 15 types of surgeries, including cesarean sections for pregnant women.
“If you are under the Sim Jara Scheme or any of the informal sector schemes, you won’t pay for surgeries, but you’ll pay 15% for your drugs and medications to help sustain the drug supply,” Dr. Agala said.
