By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Health, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring appreciable budgetary implementation in the health sector.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Ferguson Onwo who stated this when he led members on an oversight visits to three government owned hospitals in the state, said the committee’s interest is part of government’s efforts to improve standards and health services in Delta State.
The health institutions visited include the Central Hospital Agbor, Ika South, General Hospital Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South and General Hospital, Okwe, Oshimili South.
Hon Onwo accompanied by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon Emeka Osamuta and members including, Hon Festus Okoh, Perkins Umukoro, Festus Utuama and Bernard Odior, assured that the House will continue to collaborate with the Executive to ensuring growth in the health sector.
The Lawmaker who represents Isoko South 2 Constituency in the House and one time Majority Leader of the Assembly, explained that quality healthcare services is key to the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s led administration.
He said oversight visits was part of the legislative duties of members of the Legislature, stressing that the essence is to have good knowledge of level of implementation of policies and programmes of the state government.
Hon Onwo maintained that the visit had enabled members of the committee to ascertain areas that need legislative intervention especially during the next budget defense season.
The Lawmaker stressed that as members of the committee, they will ensure that resources are channelled in the right direction, saying that pressing challenges such as staffing and remuneration, amongst others, must be adequately addressed.
Pointing out that several Medical Personnels, including Doctors and Nurses have traveled out of the country in search of greener pastures, the Lawmaker assured that the State government will continue to do its best to fill in the gaps and give quality health care to the people.
Onwo who commended officials at General Hospitals, Ogwashi-Uku and Okwe for their dedication to duties, urged Doctors and nurses at Central Hospital, Agbor to improve on their services and to always give prompt medical attention to patients, especially cases of emergency.
He emphasized that prompt response to patients’ needs will no doubt restore hope to the patients regardless of their medical conditions.
The Lawmakers alongside the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Paul Okubor, and other health officials inspected the various facilities at the health institutions.
Areas inspected include the Laboratories, Accident and Emergency Wards, Male and female wards.