By Efe Omojefe Roberts
Reporting for Ezarobe Media Worldwide
The Delta State Executive Council has approved a comprehensive package of landmark health sector projects aimed at transforming healthcare delivery and expanding access to quality medical services across the state.
The approvals were announced by the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, while briefing journalists after the Executive Council meeting presided over by the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to the Commissioner, the decisions reflect the Oborevwori administration’s unwavering commitment to building a modern, efficient, and people-oriented healthcare system capable of meeting the growing medical needs of Deltans.
A major highlight of the approvals is the procurement and installation of modern medical equipment for the newly completed Mother and Child Hospital, Ekpan. Although the hospital’s construction contract was awarded in 2011, it has now been fully completed and is expected to commence operations immediately after the installation of the approved equipment.
Dr. Onojaeme further disclosed that Delta State has significantly strengthened maternal and child healthcare with the successful completion of three Mother and Child Hospitals located in Ekpan, Owa-Alero, and the Central Hospital, Warri. These facilities are expected to enhance maternal and neonatal healthcare outcomes throughout the state.
In another landmark decision, the Executive Council approved the ceding of Central Hospital, Kwale, as the take-off facility for the proposed Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale. The Commissioner described the development as a historic milestone that will expand medical education, improve specialised healthcare delivery, and create substantial employment opportunities for healthcare professionals and other support personnel.
He noted that with the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of oncology centres in federal teaching hospitals nationwide, Delta State stands to benefit immensely through improved access to advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Commissioner also announced the approval for the procurement of state-of-the-art medical equipment for public hospitals following a comprehensive assessment of healthcare facilities across the state. He explained that the initiative is designed to modernise public health institutions and improve service delivery.
Among the key approvals is the upgrading and equipping of the State Public Health Laboratory to enable it conduct advanced investigations for infectious diseases, including Ebola and other public health emergencies. The upgraded laboratory will eliminate the previous practice of sending critical samples to laboratories in Edo State and Abuja, thereby ensuring faster diagnosis and emergency response.
Recognising the increasing burden of mental health challenges and substance abuse, the Executive Council also approved the establishment and equipping of specialised neuropsychiatric units in selected hospitals across the state.
Furthermore, the Council approved the establishment of comprehensive oncology services, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy facilities. This development is expected to bring quality cancer treatment closer to residents, sparing patients the financial and emotional burden of travelling to Lagos and other states for specialised care.
Dr. Onojaeme reaffirmed that these strategic investments underscore Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s determination to build a resilient healthcare system that delivers world-class medical services within Delta State.
The sweeping approvals have been widely applauded as another significant milestone in the administration’s MORE Agenda, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of every Deltan through sustainable investments in healthcare infrastructure and specialised medical services.
Efe Omojefe Roberts
Reporting for Ezarobe Media Worldwide.