Residents of Delta State have been urged to take full advantage of the quality healthcare services provided under the state’s Contributory Health Scheme, as the government intensifies efforts to strengthen service delivery across the health sector.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme made the call while receiving the Director-General of the DeltaStateGovernment (DSCHC), , during an advocacy visit to his office at the State Secretariat Asaba.
Dr. Onojaeme said the state government has committed substantial resources to healthcare in line with Governor ’s vision of building a healthier population. According to him, health facilities across the state have undergone extensive renovation and have been upgraded with ultra-modern equipment to improve service delivery.
He disclosed that the government has ordered Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, with installation set to commence at Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH), Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, and Central Hospital, Warri. The procurement is expected to significantly enhance diagnostic capacity within the state.
In addition, the government has distributed ultrasound equipment to local government areas to boost maternal and child healthcare services. To address the high cost of dialysis, the state procured Niprome dialysis machines and established a new dialysis unit at Asaba Specialist Hospital, a move that has led to a reduction in the cost of treatment. Dialysis units at DELSUTH, Oghara, and Central Hospital, Warri, have also been strengthened.
The Commissioner further revealed that healthcare facilities are being closely monitored to ensure that funds generated are judiciously utilized, while efforts have been made to tackle the global challenge of brain drain in the health sector by removing unnecessary bureaucracy in the employment of health workers.
Commending Dr. Akpoveta for his innovative leadership, Dr. Onojaeme noted that Delta currently ranks as the number one state in health insurance coverage in Nigeria. He assured that the Ministry of Health would continue to work in synergy with the Commission to ensure that enrollees enjoy the full benefits of the scheme.
He urged residents to enroll in the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHS) to access a wide range of services, including hydroselectomy, hernia repair, appendectomy and caesarean section.
In his remarks, Dr. Akpoveta said the advocacy visit was aimed at reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to delivering “MORE Health for all Deltans,” in alignment with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda. He emphasized that the governor has consistently demonstrated strong financial and moral support for the scheme.
The Director-General disclosed that the Commission has embarked on another round of monitoring visits to healthcare facilities operating under the scheme to ensure compliance with established standards and the provision of quality care. Feedback from beneficiaries, he said, has been encouraging.
He also highlighted the scheme’s informal sector plan, which allows any resident of Delta State—regardless of tribe or religion—to access healthcare services for a full year at accredited facilities for a premium of ₦7,000.
Dr. Akpoveta added that health workers across the state, , have risen to their responsibilities as the government continues to invest in infrastructure, equipment and workforce development.
The visit underscored a renewed commitment by the Delta State government to expand access, improve quality and ensure accountability in healthcare delivery, reinforcing Governor Oborevwori’s belief that a healthy population is central to sustainable development.
