ASABA/Nigeria: The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Delta State branch, has expressed optimism that the future of healthcare delivery in the state remains bright under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Association, Dr. Israel Adaigho, commended the administration’s strides in primary healthcare, contributory health schemes, maternal and child health initiatives, and the strengthening of medical institutions across the state.
Dr. Adaigho listed landmark interventions to include the establishment of the College of Health Technology, Ovrode; the College of Medical Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro; and the College of Nursing, Onicha-Uku, as well as the renovation of more than 150 primary healthcare centres. He also highlighted the provision of vital medical equipment such as MRI machines and 25 units of 4D ultrasound scanners, noting that Delta was the first state to pay residency training funds to doctors ahead of the Federal Government.
Beyond the health sector, he lauded Oborevwori’s government for infrastructural developments including the completion of the Ughelli–Asaba dualisation, the construction of flyovers in Effurun and Warri, and the clearance of backlog pension payments to state and local government retirees. While pledging the Association’s continuous collaboration with the administration, he, however, drew attention to the challenge of manpower shortages in the state’s health sector.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori praised the NMA for its commitment to ensuring quality healthcare despite the global challenge of brain drain. He disclosed that his government had recently procured eight dialysis machines—three each for Asaba Specialist Hospital and Central Hospital, Warri, and two for DELSUTH, Oghara—alongside three MRI machines, one for each senatorial district.
Reiterating the importance of retaining medical professionals in the country, Oborevwori said: “It is better for our doctors to work in Nigeria and earn their respect than to go abroad and become care assistants.”
The Governor assured the Association that his administration would carefully review its requests, while reaffirming his determination to equip Delta hospitals with world-class facilities. He further approved the release of a bus to the Association as part of government’s support.
