The Delta State Government has unveiled a bold initiative to ease the financial burden on patients battling kidney-related ailments by reducing the cost of dialysis in state-owned hospitals from over ₦70,000 to ₦45,000.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during a live Delta Television programme, Politics in Perspective, noting that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the procurement of eight new dialyzers to strengthen the capacity of public hospitals across the state.
Dr. Onojaeme further highlighted the Governor’s recent investments in cutting-edge Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scan machines, which will save residents from the stress and high costs of travelling long distances within or outside Nigeria for advanced medical diagnosis.
In addition, Governor Oborevwori has approved the renovation and upgrade of over 150 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the three senatorial districts, a move the Commissioner described as a “game changer” in ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare delivery.
He also revealed that the state’s free maternal healthcare programme has already produced significant results, reducing maternal mortality from 350 to 120 per 100,000 live births.
“This achievement underscores the Governor’s people-centred policies in safeguarding the lives of mothers and children,” Onojaeme said.
To further boost service delivery, all government hospitals have now been granted approval to utilise 100 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for basic operational needs.
Currently, Delta boasts three tertiary hospitals, 65 general hospitals, and 441 PHCs, many of which are undergoing comprehensive remodelling.
The Commissioner also stressed that reforms in the state’s contributory health scheme have blocked leakages, with erring medical staff sanctioned or demoted, while robust surveillance under the Drug Revolving Fund is helping to check the inflow of fake and adulterated drugs.
Notably, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) recently honoured Governor Oborevwori as the first governor in Nigeria to pay the Medical Residency Fund, a feat which further underscores his exceptional commitment to healthcare development.
Dr. Onojaeme warned health workers against sharp practices, assuring that strict sanctions await those who undermine government’s reforms.
He also encouraged Deltans to embrace regular medical check-ups for early detection and prevention of life-threatening ailments.
“The Oborevwori administration is redefining healthcare in Delta State,” he affirmed, “by making it both affordable and accessible to all, while setting a new benchmark for excellence in the sector.”
