RismadarVoice Reporters
July 28, 2026
The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that patients no longer need to travel outside the state to access advanced cardiovascular diagnosis and specialised cardiac care.
The Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Professor Chizindu Alikor, made the commitment during the hospital’s 2026 Cardiology Day celebration, themed “Strengthening Systems for Better Heart Health,” which also featured the unveiling of the Department of Cardiology and the launch of advanced cardiac diagnostic services.
Professor Alikor said the establishment of the Department of Cardiology marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s drive to improve cardiovascular healthcare, noting that the department is envisioned as a comprehensive cardiovascular centre dedicated to specialised patient care, medical research, training and innovation.
He explained that the newly introduced CT Coronary Angiography and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography services would significantly enhance the early detection and accurate diagnosis of heart diseases, enabling timely intervention and improving patient outcomes.
According to him, the introduction of these advanced diagnostic technologies reflects the hospital’s commitment to delivering quality, specialised healthcare while reducing the burden on patients who previously had to seek such services outside Rivers State.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Cardiology, Dr Boma Oyan, described the inauguration of the department as the culmination of years of planning, dedication and collaboration.
She said the development represents a major leap forward in strengthening cardiovascular care, medical education and research in Rivers State.
Dr Oyan noted that the newly commissioned cardiology wards and state-of-the-art imaging technologies would enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide world-class, patient-centred cardiac care while also serving as a training hub for future cardiologists and other healthcare professionals.
She expressed optimism that the expanded services would improve access to specialised heart care, promote early diagnosis and contribute to reducing the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases in the state and across the Niger Delta.
Highlights of the event included the official unveiling of the Department of Cardiology, the commissioning of the Cardiology Wards, the launch of CT Coronary Angiography Services, and the inauguration of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Services, marking a new phase in RSUTH’s efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare delivery.
