The Delta State Government has stepped up investment in healthcare with the acquisition of advanced diagnostic equipment and the recruitment of more than 700 health workers, according to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Sir Festus Ahon.
Ahon disclosed this during an interview on Independent Radio FM 92.3, Benin, where he outlined the administration’s achievements in the health sector beyond its investments in roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
He said the governor’s decision to invest in modern diagnostic equipment was aimed at stemming the financial burden on residents who seek specialised treatment outside the state and abroad. According to him, Deltans previously spent over N100 billion annually on medical treatment outside the state.
“For the first time in the history of Delta State, we now have three MRI machines of 1.5 Tesla helium-free technology, one in each senatorial district,” Ahon said. The machines are located at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital, Warri, and the teaching hospital in Oghara, and are all functioning.
Ahon added that the government had also provided three CT scan machines and other modern radiology and laboratory equipment in major hospitals, procured eight dialysis machines (three in Asaba, three in Warri and two in Oghara), and distributed 25 units of 4D ultrasound scanners to general hospitals in the state’s 25 local government areas.
“With these facilities available for their use, our people no longer need to travel abroad for specialised diagnosis that can now be carried out here in Delta State,” he said.
Health insurance, free care
On access to affordable healthcare, Ahon said the administration had sustained free medical treatment for children aged zero to five and expanded the state’s contributory health insurance scheme to cover more residents, particularly vulnerable groups.
He said over three million people are now enrolled, including 10,000 widows who receive free healthcare and monthly stipends of N15,000 from the state government.
Manpower and incentives
Ahon said Governor Oborevwori recently approved the employment of over 700 health workers to address manpower shortages in public health institutions.
He also said the governor issued a standing order that any doctor or nurse who leaves the state’s health service, particularly those relocating abroad, must be replaced immediately. “There is no room for a vacuum,” he declared.
To motivate health professionals and discourage migration, the administration introduced special tax-free monthly allowances of N200,000 for doctors and N100,000 for health officers. “They are no longer ‘japaing’ because we have good incentives for them,” Ahon said.
Medical education
On manpower development, the Chief Press Secretary said the state government had established a College of Health Technology at Ovrode, Isoko North Local Government Area, to train middle-level health workers. He also cited the College of Medicine at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, as a major intervention to expand medical education.
Ahon said the interventions align with the governor’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises improved healthcare infrastructure, affordable medical services and the development of skilled healthcare personnel across Delta State.
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