The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has called for stronger collaboration with other teaching hospitals, universities, government agencies, and donor organisations to expand its capacity and align with national and global health priorities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the hospital’s new governing board in Port Harcourt, the Chairman, Dr Sampson Parker, stressed the need to strengthen the institution’s role in producing globally competitive health professionals. He described RSUTH as embarking on “a journey of renewal and responsibility to reimagine healthcare delivery.”
Parker, a former Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, urged board members to work diligently to ensure quality healthcare for residents. “The lives of men, women, and children depend on our stewardship. This is a sacred trust that must be approached with diligence, discipline, and devotion,” he said.
He lamented that the welfare of health workers is often neglected, pledging that his board would prioritise staff well-being. “A teaching hospital that neglects staff welfare cannot deliver excellence. We must provide a safe working environment, free from hazards, violence, and preventable risks. Staff welfare is not a privilege; it is a necessity for sustainable excellence,” he added.
According to him, the new board will strengthen support systems such as stress management, counselling, and continuous training to help staff thrive. He emphasised that healthcare challenges are complex and require partnerships. “We will actively seek collaborations with other teaching hospitals and universities in Nigeria to share expertise, research findings, and training opportunities.”
We will also work with international medical institutions and agencies to access cutting-edge technologies, attract grants, and promote staff and student exchange programmes,” he said.
Parker reminded members of their dual responsibility to deliver world-class medical care and train the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. “Let us build a teaching hospital where excellence is not an aspiration but a way of life; where patients find healing, students find inspiration, and staff find fulfilment,” he charged.
The State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, recently appointed Chairmen of eight boards and members in the State, including the Boards of Rivers State Teaching Hospital, where Parker serves as Chairman, while Professor Chizindu Alikor was retained as Chief Medical Director.
