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Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the establishment of a second college of health technology in the state.

To be sited in Ovrode, Isoko North Local Government, the college, coming after the one in Ufoma, Ughelli North Local Government, is intended to bridge the manpower needs on the health sector.

Dr Joseph Onojaeme, Commissioner for Health, confirmed the breaking news in an interview over the weekend, while reviewing Oborevwori’s performance in the last one year in office.

Onojaeme said Delta currently boasts of less than 1000 technical personnel as against 7500 needed to sustain the sector.

He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori graciously approved the establishment of the college to close the massive manpower deficit in the health sector.

“Immediately after we took over office, a needs assessment was conducted and it was discovered that there was a huge manpower shortage. Out of 7500 needed for effective healthcare delivery, it was discovered that there were less than 1000 personnel.

“Coupled with the so called japa syndrome which has become a major challenge to the health sector, we knew something decisive needed to be done. Fortunately, as soon as His Excellency, the Governor’s attention was drawn to this shortfall, he immediately approved the establishment of the college”, he revealed.

The Commissioner further disclosed that a groundbreaking ceremony would soon take place as part of Governor Oborevwori’s one year in office, while they first set of students are expected to resume by January 2025.

Similarly, he confirmed that Oborevwori has approved the upgrade and equipping of 215 out of 441 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state, with 25 already completed as part of a pilot project.

“Each PHC to be upgraded costs N30M. When you times that number by 215, it amounts to a huge sum. This aside the N3B approved by the Governor for the upgrade of 21 out of 64 general hospitals in the state.

“This clearly an unprecedented investment in the health sector. So much has been done in less than a year to make the three tiers in the sector to make it one of the best in the country. Definitely, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori deserves special commendation for spectacular achievements in the health sector”, he declared.