The Delta State Government has announced a reduction in the cost of dialysis treatment in state-owned hospitals from over N70,000 to N45,000. This move is aimed at easing the financial burden on patients battling kidney-related ailments.
Recall that the federal government earlier released a list of federal hospitals with N12,000 subsidised dialysis.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, made this known during a Delta Television live programme, “Politics in Perspective.” He explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the procurement of eight new dialyzers for government hospitals across the state to support the initiative.
According to the Commissioner, Delta State has also invested in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scan machines to reduce the stress of residents travelling long distances within and outside the country for medical diagnosis. He further cautioned medical personnel against engaging in sharp practices, stressing that any erring staff would face severe sanctions.
Onojaeme revealed that the governor has approved the renovation and complete overhaul of more than 150 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the three senatorial districts. He said this effort is to improve access to affordable healthcare services. He added that the state’s free maternal healthcare programme has yielded positive results, reducing maternal mortality from 350 to 120 per 100,000 live births.
To strengthen service delivery, he disclosed that all government hospitals have been granted approval to utilise 100 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for basic operational needs. Presently, Delta State has three tertiary hospitals, 65 general hospitals, and 441 PHCs, many of which are undergoing comprehensive remodelling.
Speaking on the contributory health scheme, Onojaeme noted that reforms have been implemented, while medical staff who attempted to sabotage the government’s efforts were sanctioned or demoted. He also highlighted that surveillance under the Drug Revolving Fund is ongoing to prevent fake and adulterated drugs from entering government health facilities.
The Commissioner commended Governor Oborevwori’s recognition by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) for being the first governor in the country to pay the Medical Residency Fund. He said this recognition, along with several health projects, shows the administration’s dedication.
He urged residents of Delta to embrace regular medical check-ups for early detection and prevention of serious ailments, emphasising that the administration remains committed to making healthcare accessible and affordable.
