2025 Budget: Fubara reassures commitment to functional health sector

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has assured that the state will witness massive, quality functional healthcare system that will be reliable and affordable.

He gave the assurance when he received a World Health Organisation (WHO) delegation, led by the Country Representative, Dr Kazadi Molumbo in Port Harcourt.

He said that his administration would commit huge budgetary allocation to the health sector in the 2025 budget to give necessary financial support for quality healthcare services.

The governor added that the reason for the huge budget was to strengthen what was done already, in ensuring that healthcare facilities are functional at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

According to him, the 2025 budget will focus on three key areas such as health, education and agriculture.

He explained that “we believe that when we roll out that budget, greater part of the health issues and services will be accommodated.

“I know quite alright that one of the most important things, if we go by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, affordable healthcare is one major thing that is key target.”

Fubara said that WHO is working with the state government to ensure that the facilities would not be for the privileged, but also for the less-privileged in the society.

He appreciated the global body “for the wonderful work done both on supervisory and support role in the health sector worldwide.”

The country representative commended Fubara “for efforts and political will to achieve the SDGs and ensure that the people enjoy good health and well-being by 2030.”

He said that Nigeria, like most countries of the world, is lagging behind in terms of reaching the SDGs by 2030.

Molumbo emphasised the global call to do things differently to rescue people, telling the governor that “but something is very encouraging in your administration, and I will like to commend your efforts in providing enabling environment for stakeholders in the health sector.

“We also noted your commitment toward improving primary healthcare services and the drive to improve the health status of Rivers people.”