RSG Unveils Peter Odili Cardiovascular Centre For Free Cancer Treatment

The Rivers State Government has officially opened the Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Centre for public use with a free screening for cancer and all forms of cardiovascular diseases.

Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Professor Justinah Jumbo, disclosed this at a cancer awareness walk in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

The Walk which kicked off from the Dr Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Centre, Rumuepirikom, Port Harcourt was also in celebration of the 2026 Cancer Day.

Professor Jumbo said the event was also part of the programmes by the Rivers State Government to sensitize the public that the cardiovascular centre has officially open for cancer treatment and screening.

She said the centre which was built by the immediate past administration in the State was part of government efforts to stop people from traveling abroad for cancer screening and treatment.

Also speaking at the event, a permanent secretary designate, Dr Vincent Wachuku, said the essence of the event “was not just to take a walk but also to tell the whole world that this centre has been opened to render services to every person that is suffering from any form of cancer within the state, outside the state and anywhere around the world.”

Wachuku who is also the Director Medical Services, Rivers State Ministry of Health, disclosed that the government has directed that screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostrate cancer be made free for now, but added that “subsequently the price could be highly subsidized.”

“Government is also doing a lot to ensure that those who cannot afford the services here, the government will also come in to support their care,” he clarified.

In his own speech, the Chief Executive Officer of  the Cardiovascular Centre, Tony Rahme, said the centre would offer the best services that can be obtained anywhere in the world.

“We are assuring that we are serving in the best way by offering free screening to the community and doing a walk to fight cancer,” he said.

He disclosed that the hospital currently has 65 bed spaces, adding that a team of experts from different countries including Filipino nurses have been assembled to handle cancer treatment at the centre.

Rahme said the centre can handle advance oncology surgery, cardiovascular including kidney treatment and cardio surgery and all kinds of nephrology.

While stressing that more than 70 to a 100 persons have already been screened, Rahme said the hospital is committed to serve all parts of the society.

By: John Bibor