Delta State Rolls Out MRI, CT and Ultrasound Equipment to Public Hospitals
Delta State has taken delivery of three MRI machines, three CT scanners and 25 4D ultrasound machines, which have now been placed in public hospitals as part of a push to widen access to specialised care.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Festus Ahon, made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking on Independent Radio FM 92.3 in Benin.
Ahon said the MRI units, which operate on 1.5-Tesla helium-free technology, are now in use at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, the Central Hospital in Warri, and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara.
He explained that the machines form part of steps taken by the administration to cut down the number of residents who must leave the state or travel overseas to obtain specialised diagnostic services.
Beyond the MRI units, Ahon said the government purchased three CT scanners, eight dialysis machines and additional radiology and laboratory equipment for major public hospitals.
He also stated that the 25 4D ultrasound machines were sent to general hospitals located in each of the state's 25 local government areas.
The aim, according to him, is to make advanced diagnostic services available nearer to residents, especially those who cannot afford to seek treatment or diagnosis outside Delta State.
On staffing, the governor's aide said more than 700 healthcare workers have been taken on to close manpower gaps in public health facilities.
He added that Oborevwori has issued a directive that any doctor or nurse who exits the state health service must be replaced without delay so that no staffing vacuum is created.
"Because of his commitment to the health sector, the governor recently employed over 700 health workers. Apart from that, he equally gave a standing order that if, for any reason, any doctor or nurse 'japa', he or she should be replaced immediately. There is no room for a vacuum," Ahon said.
To keep medical personnel in the state, Ahon said monthly tax-free allowances have been introduced, with doctors receiving N200,000 and health officers N100,000.
He further noted that the state's contributory health insurance scheme has been broadened and now covers more than three million people.
Children between the ages of zero and five receive free healthcare, he said, while 10,000 widows on the scheme are also paid monthly stipends of N15,000.
Ahon also said a College of Health Technology has been set up at Ovrode in Isoko North Local Government Area to produce middle-level health workers.
In the same vein, a College of Medicine has been established at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, as part of efforts to build up the state's medical workforce.
According to him, all these measures fall under the administration's MORE Agenda, which is focused on upgrading healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to medical services and ensuring trained health personnel are available throughout Delta State.
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