In recent years, Delta State’s healthcare landscape has witnessed a dynamic transformation under the stewardship of Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Commissioner for Health. His approach—marked by bold reforms, strategic partnerships, and a relentless drive to uplift health standards—embodies a vision in action.
- Expanding Health Insurance Coverage:
During the Governor’s first 100 days in office, Dr. Onojaeme announced an ambitious target: enrolling 100,000 more people into the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHC). For just ₦7,000 annually, registrants gain access to comprehensive primary and secondary healthcare—including surgeries such as appendectomies and herniorrhaphies.
As of mid‑2024, the scheme covered over 1.44 million enrollees, including nursery groups like pregnant women and children under five—reflecting the scheme’s growing reach and equity focus.
- Strategic Investments & Recognition:
December 2024, Delta State received $400,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation via the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge. The grant, tied to the “MORE” agenda and revitalization of over 150 Primary Health Centers by His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, acknowledged leadership and sectoral progress .
April 2025, The DSCHC was awarded “Most Innovative Health Insurance Agency of the Year 2025,” underscoring the State’s forward-thinking reforms .
- Tackling Systemic Challenges:
Dr. Onojaeme led a payroll cleanup, identifying and eliminating 301 ghost workers, a move that reclaimed resources and restored integrity to health financing.
He prioritized infrastructural upgrades and medical equipment acquisition across the state: eight dialysis machines, 25 ultrasound scanners, and two CT scans, enhancing diagnostic and treatment capacity.
- Strengthening Workforce & Institutional Capacity:
To address medical brain drain, the State now offers revised CONMESS salaries without taxing allowances and swiftly replaces any health worker who leaves—a strategy to retain critical human resources.
Alongside these incentives, physical upgrades—like CT‑Scan installations at Delsuth Oghara and Central Hospital Warri—improve working conditions and healthcare delivery.
Dr. Onojaeme also spearheaded the establishment of two new training institutions: a College of Health Technology in Ovrode and a College of Health Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, addressing long-term workforce sustainability.
- Accountability & Performance Monitoring:
In November 2024, Dr. Onojaeme took a firm stand against absenteeism. He publicly warned that any health worker in the State not performing their duties will be sanctioned, emphasizing that taxpayer money demands accountability.
Simultaneously, he inspected and encouraged the completion of critical infrastructure projects like house officer quarters and ward expansions.
- Leading Public Health Initiatives:
Amid multiple cholera outbreaks in 2024, Dr. Onojaeme spearheaded the State’s collaboration with the NCDC and local agencies. Though 118 cases were recorded, there were no reported deaths thanks to swift, community-focused interventions.
In July 2025, he launched the Accelerating Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Nutrition Health (AIM‑MNCNH) project, targeting postpartum hemorrhage prevention—a leading cause of maternal mortality—funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and delivered in partnership with several key organizations.
- Civic Trust & Local Endorsement:
Civil society groups gave strong approval of his reforms. The Isoko Ideological Class (IIC) commended Dr. Onojaeme’s contributions, particularly in institutional upgrades and merit-driven reforms .
In 2024, he countered press reports downplaying healthcare workers’ dedication, affirming that Delta’s healthcare professionals are among Nigeria’s most committed—crediting their quality care as central to the success of the contributory insurance scheme.
Conclusion: Vision Realized Through Action:
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme’s tenure as Commissioner for Health is a blueprint in what visionary leadership looks like in public service. From bolstering financial systems and workforce welfare, to launching life-saving interventions and insuring access for the vulnerable—his strategies align seamlessly with Governor Oborevwori’s “MORE” agenda.
By coupling innovative policies with accountability, reforms with empathy, and technology with training, Dr. Onojaeme embodies a transformative vision in action—shaping a healthier, stronger Delta State.