Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved over N300 million in funding to support 389 medical doctors in the State Civil Service who are undergoing residency training. This grant will cover two consecutive years, 2023-2024, with each resident doctor receiving between 800,000 and 900,000 naira annually.
In 2023, 215 resident doctors benefited from the grant, while 174 have been funded in 2024, according to a statement from the Rivers State Government House Press Unit on Friday. This initiative represents a significant improvement in healthcare funding under Governor Fubara’s administration, marking only the third time such grants have been disbursed in the past 16 years, with the last occurring in 2018.
Governor Fubara highlighted that the purpose of the grant is to “enhance the dedication and effectiveness of resident doctors during their critical training phase,” which is vital for equipping them with the necessary skills to provide high-quality medical services while working in the state.
State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, praised the initiative, noting that it plays a crucial role in keeping healthcare professionals updated with the latest medical knowledge and practices. She emphasized that the funding supports research and covers the costs of developing and presenting research proposals and dissertations. Additionally, it assists with travel expenses for examinations, which are often held outside the state or even the country.
Dr. Oreh concluded that Governor Fubara’s commitment, barely a year into his tenure, will lead to improved health outcomes for the people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large.
