Oborevwori Boosts Healthcare With MRI, CT Scans, Free Treatment — Ahon

The Delta State Government has intensified investment in healthcare with the deployment of MRI, CT scan and 4D ultrasound machines, alongside expanded free and subsidised medical services across the state.

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Sir Festus Ahon, disclosed this during an interview on Independent Radio FM 92.3, Benin, where he highlighted key interventions of the administration in the health sector.

Ahon said the government had invested heavily in modern diagnostic and laboratory equipment to strengthen specialist healthcare delivery and reduce the need for Deltans to travel outside the state for medical treatment.

He said: “For years, our people spent over N100 Billion annually seeking treatment outside Delta State and even abroad. Governor Oborevwori said this must stop.

“Today, for the first time in our history, we have: Three MRI machines of 1.5 Tesla, helium-free technology — one in each senatorial district: Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital Warri, and DELSUTH Oghara, all now functional.

“CT Scan machines, modern radiology laboratories, and 8 dialysis machines — three in Asaba, three in Warri, two in Oghara. Twenty-five units of 4D ultrasound scanners distributed across our general hospitals in the 25 local government areas.

“The idea is to ensure that Deltans can access quality healthcare here in Delta without travelling to other states or abroad for services that can be provided here”.

Ahon said the administration had sustained free medical treatment for children aged zero to five years, saying “under the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, we now have over three million enrollees; the highest in Nigeria.

“This includes 10,000 widows who are not only given free healthcare but also receive a monthly stipend of N15,000.”

He said Governor Oborevwori had approved a monthly tax free allowance of N200,000 for doctors and N100,000 for house officers as part of measures to motivate and retain medical personnel in the state.

To address manpower shortages arising from migration, Ahon said the governor had approved a standing order for the immediate replacement of Medical Doctors and Nurses who leave the job.

He said the administration had also established the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, to train middle-level healthcare manpower and a College of Medical Sciences at Southern Delta University, Ozoro.

Ahon said the various interventions were part of the administration’s MORE Agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure, strengthening human resources and making quality medical services accessible to all Deltans.

He added that the government would continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure, equipment and manpower to consolidate the gains recorded in the sector.