Minister unveils N26b cancer, cardiovascular disease centre in Rivers

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has unveiled the N25.9 billion Peter Odili Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He disclosed this in Port Harcourt, at the commencement of construction work on the Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Treatment Centre.

“The centre would augment the assets available to treat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and boost efforts to reduce NCD prevalence, not only in Rivers States, but also in the South-South and entire country.

“I observe that this project has been named after someone, who has built a reputation, not just as a medical practitioner, but as a former governor.

“I salute you, Your Excellency, Dr. Peter Odili, for your contributions to this state and congratulate you on the recognition the people have accorded you,” he said.

Ehanire commended Governor Nyesom Wike for his vision and achievement in the health sector, stressing that the Governor had shown his commitment and determination to add value to the state’s healthcare system.

Governor Nyesom Wike said the centre, which features advanced healthcare services such as chemotherapy and nuclear medicine would be completed within 14 months.

On the rational for naming the centre after Odili, he declared that but for the former governor, an Ikwerre man would not have become governor of the state.

He, therefore, challenged medical doctors to be more responsible in maintaining the public healthcare facility and not allow the investment to waste.

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Princewill Chike, said, “The Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Treatment Centre is a three storey building facility that will also have a section for emergency cases.”

The President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Innocent Ujah, said the health sector had taken the lead in Governor Wike’s administration and commended him for honouring Odili.

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Kamila/The nation