After more than three years of inactivity, the state-of-the-art Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has finally been opened for public use.
The ultra-modern medical facility was constructed and commissioned on November 14, 2022, by the immediate past administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
However, despite its commissioning, the hospital remained locked and unused for over three years, a situation widely attributed to the political rift between Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.
The prolonged closure had drawn public concern, especially as the hospital was designed to serve as a major referral centre for cancer and cardiovascular care and to reduce the need for medical tourism abroad. It is also noted that several other public facilities in Rivers State remain unused under similar circumstances, despite being completed.
The reopening of the centre has now been credited to the intervention of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in collaboration with the Government of Rivers State (GSSRS) and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, who ensured the facility is now fully operational and ready to receive patients.
Located at No. 120 Ikwerre Road, Rumuokwuta, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the towering three-storey medical complex, constructed by Julius Berger, is expected to evolve into a major hub for medical tourism in Nigeria.
The hospital is a purpose-built specialist centre dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, offering advanced services including chemotherapy and nuclear medicine. It serves as a focal point for comprehensive chronic disease care in the region.
The facility boasts 132 bed spaces, including a 10-bed ICU/CCU, with four critical care isolation cubicles designed for immunocompromised patients. It is equipped with a fully functional pathology laboratory, a modern radiology department, two fully equipped operating theatres, and a catheterisation laboratory (Cath Lab) for advanced cardiovascular diagnostics and treatment.
Other features include a 13-chair chemotherapy unit with four VIP isolation cubicles, eight consulting rooms for inpatient and outpatient care, and a well-equipped outpatient department with procedure and examination rooms. The hospital also incorporates a helipad to facilitate emergency evacuations and patient transfers.
Designed with future expansion in mind, the facility is equipped with modern medical technology and advanced air-conditioning systems to ensure patient comfort and optimal recovery conditions.
The reopening of the Dr. Peter Odili Specialist Hospital marks a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery in Rivers State and ending years of public concern over idle but completed government projects.
