WARRI/Nigeria: In a decisive move to reposition healthcare delivery in Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday inaugurated a fresh consignment of multi-billion naira medical equipment, describing the intervention as a strategic investment to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes across the state.
The equipment, which includes eight hemodialysis machines, 25 user-friendly 4D ultrasound scanners, and two state-of-the-art CT scan machines manufactured in Germany, is being distributed across the three senatorial districts of the state, with each local government area receiving at least one scanner. This deployment marks one of the most extensive diagnostic equipment rollouts in Delta’s public healthcare history.
Speaking at the official unveiling ceremony at Central Hospital, Warri, Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of accessible and modern healthcare services for all Deltans, saying, “Health is wealth, and this administration is determined to ensure that both our hospitals and primary health centers are well-equipped to deliver quality, effective, and affordable healthcare to all Deltans.”
The governor was joined at the event by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who was invited to officially inaugurate the facilities. Highlighting the distribution strategy, Oborevwori stated that Central Hospital Warri received three dialysis machines, while the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, got two, and the Asaba Specialist Hospital received three as well.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we distribute 25 ultrasound scan machines, one for each of the local government areas in our state. Following this event, each LGA will take delivery of their assigned machine. While the symbolic gesture may be quiet, the impact will resonate across our communities,” the governor said.
He added that the Ministry of Health would immediately begin training health workers on the use of the new equipment, particularly at the primary healthcare level, to ensure optimal use and maintenance. “This initiative is aimed at significantly improving the quality of healthcare services, especially in reducing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates,” Oborevwori noted.
In addition to the diagnostic tools, the government also procured orthopedic and theatre equipment for Central Hospital, Warri, and finalized installation of one CT scan machine, with another awaiting installation.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, praised the rollout as a “monumental stride in Delta’s healthcare journey” and hailed Governor Oborevwori’s foresight. He noted that the decision to acquire new CT scanners came after a review revealed that the Asaba Specialist Hospital and the Mother and Child Hospital in Warri already had functioning scanners.
Dr. Onojaeme further commended the governor for his proactive support of healthcare professionals, particularly for the prompt release of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to resident doctors in the state, an initiative recently acknowledged by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
“In their communiqué, NARD recognized Governor Oborevwori as one of only three governors in Nigeria who have fully approved and implemented the MRTF policy. Delta is leading by example,” he said.
The Commissioner also praised the governor’s insistence on merit-based admissions into nursing schools, describing it as a critical reform aimed at restoring discipline and credibility to the profession.
Governor Oborevwori was accompanied at the event by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other top government officials. The formal unveiling was met with applause from healthcare professionals and community leaders, who expressed optimism that the new equipment would drastically improve health outcomes for residents across Delta State.
