Delta EXCO Unveils Massive Health Sector Boost, Approves Hospital Equipment, Cancer Centre, Mental Health Units
….Oborevwori targets world-class healthcare as Council clears Mother and Child Hospitals, teaching hospital, infectious disease lab
The Delta State Executive Council has approved a sweeping package of health sector projects, including the equipping of newly completed hospitals, the establishment of cancer treatment and mental health centres, and the upgrade of critical medical facilities in a bold move to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The approvals were granted at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, described the decisions as a major investment in the health and well-being of Deltans, saying the administration was determined to provide quality and accessible healthcare services.
He announced that the long-awaited Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan, whose construction was awarded in 2011, has now been completed, with the Executive Council approving the procurement of state-of-the-art medical equipment to enable the facility commence operations.
According to him, the hospital will soon be opened to the public, adding that Delta State has also completed Mother and Child Hospitals in Owa-Alero and at the Central Hospital, Warri, further expanding maternal and child healthcare services across 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.
Onojaeme said the teaching hospital would be the first federal university teaching hospital in Delta State and would create jobs, deepen medical training and research, and provide specialised healthcare services for residents.
He added that the institution would also position the state to benefit from the Federal Government’s plan to establish oncology centres in federal teaching hospitals, significantly improving cancer care.
The commissioner further disclosed that the Executive Council approved the procurement of modern medical equipment for public hospitals across the state following a comprehensive assessment of healthcare needs.
Among the major projects approved is the upgrade and equipping of the State Public Health Laboratory to enable it conduct advanced tests for infectious diseases such as Ebola and other public health emergencies without relying on laboratories outside Delta State.
He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, samples had to be transported to Edo State and Abuja for analysis, a situation the upgraded laboratory would permanently address.
The Council also approved the establishment and equipping of specialised neuropsychiatric units in selected hospitals to tackle the growing cases of mental health disorders and substance abuse.
In addition, it approved the establishment of comprehensive oncology services, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy facilities, to ensure cancer patients can receive treatment within Delta State instead of travelling to Lagos and other parts of the country.
Onojaeme said the approvals reflect Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to building a modern healthcare system that delivers quality, specialised and life-saving medical services to all residents.
He expressed confidence that the projects would transform healthcare delivery, reduce medical tourism, create employment opportunities and improve health outcomes across the state.
