Expanding Capacity in Delta’s Health Sector

Oborevwori Approves Recruitment Drive to Boost Healthcare Services

DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the recruitment of over 700 medical and non-medical personnel to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this during a press briefing, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to match workforce capacity with ongoing investments in health infrastructure.

Staffing New and Upgraded Facilities

According to the commissioner, the recruitment is driven by increased demand following key upgrades in the health sector. These include the elevation of General Hospital Warri to a central hospital and the near completion of the Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan.

A breakdown of the recruitment shows that 295 personnel will be deployed to the Hospital Management Board, while 120 will join the Delta State University Teaching Hospital.

Additionally, 100 staff will be engaged at the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, while Asaba Specialist Hospital and Warri Central Hospital will receive 60 and 12 personnel respectively.

Addressing Workforce Gaps

Onojaeme noted that the initiative is also aimed at mitigating the effects of the ongoing migration of healthcare workers, commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome.”

He said the government’s policy of replacing exiting personnel has helped maintain service continuity, even as demand for healthcare services continues to grow.

Investments in Infrastructure and Technology

Beyond recruitment, the state government is expanding healthcare infrastructure. The commissioner revealed that a State Public Health Laboratory is nearing completion, a move expected to improve diagnostic capacity and reduce reliance on external facilities.

He also highlighted the construction of a new psychiatric hospital, as well as the procurement of three 1.5 Tesla MRI machines designed to be cost-effective and easier to maintain.

In addition, investments in dialysis services have reduced treatment costs in some facilities to about ₦45,000, improving access for patients.

Transparent Recruitment Process

Onojaeme assured that the recruitment process would be transparent and merit-based, with vacancies to be advertised widely.

He said the exercise would cover a broad range of roles, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and administrative staff.

The initiative, he added, is expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery and outcomes across Delta State.