In a surprise move that has sent ripples across the state’s healthcare sector, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme paid an unscheduled visit to the General Hospital Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area, where he expressed strong displeasure over the deplorable state of affairs in the facility.
The Commissioner, who arrived at the hospital, was reportedly shocked to find that key personnel, including the Resident Doctor, the hospital administrator, and several other critical staff, have not resumed duty as at 10:30am and patients were left unattended. The Commissioner described the situation as “unacceptable and irresponsible”, emphasizing that public health facilities must remain accountable to the people they serve.
Dr. Onojaeme was particularly angered by the poor management of the state of the art hospital equipments and infrastructure. He particularly cited the deplorable condition of the hospital chairs, many of which are unfit for use by patients, pointing out that there was no justification for such negligence, especially considering that the Delta State Government had approved the full plough-back of the hospital’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of over 1.5m monthly for its maintenance and operational needs.
“It is totally unacceptable that this facility is in such a state even with the sophisticated medical equipment at the hospital” the Commissioner said while addressing the few staff present. “The state government has done its part by approving the retention of 100% IGR to support hospital maintenance and service delivery. What then is the excuse for this mismanagement?”
The Commissioner emphasized that the Delta State government would not tolerate incompetence or indiscipline in the state’s health sector. He announced that immediate steps would be taken to overhaul the hospital’s management structure, including the transfer of the current administrative leadership.
He also warned other health institutions across the state to brace up for similar unscheduled inspections, as part of his ministry’s renewed efforts to enforce discipline, transparency, and efficiency in public healthcare delivery.
The unscheduled inspection is part of the Delta State Government’s renewed effort to strengthen its healthcare delivery system under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery across all public health institutions.