By Anne Azuka
The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Health has pledged to ensure effective budgetary implementation in the state’s health sector.
During an oversight visit to three government-owned hospitals, Committee Chairman Hon. Ferguson Onwo emphasized the importance of improving healthcare standards and services in Delta State. The facilities visited included Central Hospital Agbor, General Hospital Ogwashi-Uku, and General Hospital Okwe.
Hon. Onwo, accompanied by Deputy Chairman Hon. Emeka Osamuta and committee members Hon. Festus Okoh, Perkins Umukoro, Festus Utuama, and Bernard Odior, assured that the Assembly will continue its collaboration with the Executive to enhance the health sector.
Representing Isoko South 2 Constituency, Hon. Onwo highlighted that quality healthcare is central to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE agenda. He noted that such oversight visits are crucial for understanding the implementation of state policies and identifying areas needing legislative intervention.
The visit allowed committee members to pinpoint areas requiring legislative attention for the next budget cycle. Hon. Onwo stressed the need to address challenges like staffing and remuneration, and acknowledged the issue of medical personnel leaving the country for better opportunities.
He praised the dedication of staff at General Hospitals Ogwashi-Uku and Okwe and urged improvement at Central Hospital Agbor, especially in emergency care.
The committee, along with Permanent Secretary Dr. Paul Okubor, inspected various facilities including laboratories, accident and emergency wards, and patient wards, to assess the state of healthcare delivery and ensure resources are properly allocated.
