Onojaeme Counters Critics, Says Healthcare Central To Oborevwori Agenda
Delta Prioritising Primary Healthcare, Not Just Flyovers — Onojaeme
THE Delta State Government has pushed back against claims that it is prioritising eye-catching infrastructure projects over grassroots healthcare delivery, insisting that strengthening primary healthcare remains a core focus of the Oborevwori administration.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, made this clarification while reacting to recent comments by popular health influencer, Aproko Doctor, who suggested on social media that Nigerian politicians tend to favour flyovers and ultra-modern hospitals while neglecting primary healthcare centres that serve the majority of the population.
According to Onojaeme, while roads and flyovers are often the most visible symbols of development, they do not tell the full story of governance in Delta State, particularly in the health sector.
“That is not true in Delta State. While roads and flyovers are visible across the state, healthcare has always been a major priority of this administration,” he said.
Primary Healthcare at the Core of Health Reforms
Onojaeme disclosed that within just two years, the Oborevwori administration has renovated 150 primary healthcare centres across Delta State’s three senatorial districts. He added that another 150 centres are currently being scoped for renovation.
When completed, he explained, the exercise will bring the total number of upgraded primary healthcare facilities to 300 out of the state’s 441 health facilities, significantly strengthening healthcare delivery at the community level.
The commissioner noted that functional primary healthcare centres reduce the burden on general and tertiary hospitals by addressing common health conditions early and closer to where people live.
“This is about access. When people can receive quality care in their communities, it saves time, money, and lives,” he said.
Maternal and Child Health Interventions
Onojaeme highlighted the state’s free maternal and under-five healthcare programme as one of the most impactful initiatives under the current administration.
According to him, the programme has continued to deliver positive outcomes, including a steady reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates, while also easing the financial burden on families.
To ensure sustainability, he revealed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently approved the release of ₦2 billion to support the programme, alongside regular funding to strengthen Universal Health Coverage across the state.
“These are not cosmetic interventions. They are targeted programmes that directly affect the most vulnerable groups,” Onojaeme said.
Hospital Autonomy and Improved Service Delivery
In a bid to enhance efficiency and responsiveness, the commissioner said state-owned hospitals have been granted full financial autonomy, allowing them to retain and utilise 100 per cent of their internally generated revenue.
This policy, he explained, enables hospitals to promptly procure essential drugs, maintain medical equipment, and respond faster to patients’ needs without bureaucratic delays.
Expanding Access to Specialised Care
Onojaeme said the state government has also made significant investments in specialised healthcare services. Dialysis machines have been acquired and inaugurated across state hospitals, reducing waiting times for patients with kidney-related conditions.
He noted that the cost of dialysis has been reduced from about ₦70,000 to ₦45,000 per session, making treatment more affordable for residents.
Additionally, CT scan machines installed at Warri Central Hospital and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, are improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis for conditions such as cancer, stroke, and internal injuries.
Newly procured echocardiography machines, he added, are strengthening early detection and management of heart-related ailments.
Three MRI Machines for Delta State
To further expand access to advanced diagnostic services, Onojaeme announced that the state government has ordered three MRI machines for installation at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital Warri, and DELSUTH Oghara.
He said this would ensure that each of the state’s three senatorial districts has access to high-end medical imaging.
“While some states do not have a single MRI machine, Delta State is procuring three at once. Delivery is expected by April, as site preparations are already ongoing,” he said.
Training Health Manpower and Expanding Infrastructure
Beyond equipment and infrastructure, the commissioner disclosed that the state government is establishing a new College of Health Sciences at Ovrode in Isoko North Local Government Area. The institution will complement the existing college at Ofuoma and boost the training of middle-level health workers.
He also revealed that the long-abandoned Mother and Child Hospital in Ekpan is nearing completion, while another Specialist Hospital is being developed in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area, modelled after the Asaba Specialist Hospital.
According to Onojaeme, Delta State remains the only state in Nigeria with over 60 functional, government-owned hospitals.
Health Insurance Coverage and Transparency
On health insurance, the commissioner said the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme has enrolled over 2.78 million residents as of January 2026, making it the leading state-supported health insurance programme in the country.
The scheme, he explained, covers both formal and informal sector workers and prioritises vulnerable groups through the Equity Health Plan, including pregnant women, children under five, and the elderly.
Recent expansion efforts include the enrollment of 10,000 widows and the ongoing registration of indigent residents. To improve transparency and efficiency, the scheme has introduced facial recognition technology at accredited healthcare facilities.
Onojaeme reaffirmed the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage, stressing that the focus remains on delivering affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to all Deltans.
