By Oghenefejiro Emado
07, January 2026
The Delta State Government has dismissed claims that it is prioritizing flashy infrastructure over grassroots healthcare, insisting that primary healthcare remains a central pillar of the Oborevwori administration’s development agenda.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, made this known in response to recent comments by popular health influencer, Aproko Doctor, who suggested that politicians focus on flyovers and ultra-modern hospitals while neglecting primary healthcare centers.
He said the Delta State Government has made significant strides in improving healthcare delivery in the state. Some of the notable achievements include:
– Renovation of 150 primary healthcare centers across the three senatorial districts, with an additional 150 centers already being scoped
– Implementation of the free maternal and under-five healthcare program, which has recorded positive outcomes, including a steady reduction in maternal and infant mortality and a significant easing of financial burdens on families
– Granting of full autonomy to state-owned hospitals to retain and utilize 100% of their internally generated revenue.
– Acquisition and inauguration of dialysis machines across state hospitals, reducing waiting times and expanding access to treatment.
– Installation of CT scan machines at Warri Central Hospital and Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis for cancer, stroke, and internal injury.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Delta State Government has outlined several plans to further improve healthcare delivery in the state. Some of these plans include:
– Procuring three MRI machines for installation at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital Warri, and DELSUTH Oghara.
– Establishing a new College of Health Sciences at Ovrode in Isoko North Local Government Area to boost the training of middle-level health manpower.
– Completing the long-abandoned Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan.
– Developing a new Specialist Hospital in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area, modelled after the Asaba Specialist Hospital
Dr. Onojaeme further disclosed that the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme has made significant progress in providing health insurance coverage to residents. Some of the notable achievements include:
– Enrollment of over 2.78 million residents as of January 2026.
– Coverage of both formal and informal sector workers.
– Prioritization of vulnerable groups through the Equity Health Plan, including pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly.
– Introduction of facial recognition technology at accredited healthcare facilities to enhance efficiency and transparency
He noted that the Delta State Government remains committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage and delivering affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to all Deltans.
