UDUAGHAN: How a gov is using healthcare to combat poverty By Ejiro Idama The healthcare portfolio of Delta State has witnessed a steady and upward boost since its inception on August 27, 1991. The progress recorded in the healthcare sector in the past 22 years, especially since 1999, can be described as phenomenon. The sector, however, witnessed fundamental policy engineering under the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan which further enhanced healthcare delivery in the state. Today, Delta stands out as one of the healthcare conscious states in the federation on account of the accessibility of healthcare facilities to its citizens both in the urban and rural areas. Delta State, pursuant to one of the Uduaghan administration’s three-point agenda of human capital development, was the first among the 36 states of the federation to introduce and successfully implement the free maternal health care and the free rural scheme now being studied for implementation by some other states. This is in keeping with the millenium goals. Delta State today boasts of six Central Hospitals, one General Hospital each in the 25 local government areas of the state, and comprehensive health centres spread across the states as well as primary health centres in almost every community. It also has a world class Oghara University Teaching Hospital. To ensure adequate manpower for the sector, government under the Uduaghan administration has established some nursing and midwifery schools as well as schools of health technology across the three senatorial districts of the state. In icing the cake of its health care policies, the Uduaghan administration introduced the free rural health programme which ensures that health care delivery (men, materials and accessories) are moved from one rural area to another, dispensing quality healthcare service, covering all ailments, including surgeries. Evidence of the success of the Delta government healthcare programme comes from the testimonies of those it has impacted the most. Ogechukwu Monye, 24, from Ibusa, in Oshimili North local government area, regained her sight after she was treated by the medical team on the rural health programme. After the treatment, she said, “As you can see me now, I can see with both eyes. I am short of words to express my sincere gratitude to the state, our governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, for making it possible for me to see again and for saving the lives of many people like me”. Another example is the case of an-85-year-old farmer, Mr. Raphael Enebeli, from Emuhu in Ika South local government area. He was successfully operated of cataract and hernia. Enebeli said, “My family will forever remain grateful to Governor Uduaghan for saving lives. May God continue to guide him and protect him as he pilots the affairs of the state”. Another beneficiary, Mrs Mary Igbiwie, 42, from Kolokolo, Warri North local government area said, “I was married for many years but could not bear children due to fibroid. I had no money to go for the surgery. I managed to get pregnant after a long time but since I had my child 11 years ago, I could not conceive again. I was advised to go for surgery to enable me conceive again but could not afford N150,000 charged in a hospital in Benin-City, Edo State and N120,000 in another hospital in Warri. “When I heard of the state free rural health scheme, I did not believe that such expensive surgery could be done free of charge. I finally encountered them at K wale. Initially I was afraid but the medical team calmed me down. They were very humane and kind hearted. The surgery was done successfully”. Mrs. Rosemary Obuseh lived with fibroid due to her inability to afford N100,000, before the regime of free rural healthcare. I was impressed with the explanation of Dr. Akpe Aghogho, a member of the medical team who revealed that over 60 persons had undergone surgeries at the Mobile Field Hospital between 2011 and 2013. I agree with Mrs Esewezie, wife of the Ika South transition committee chairman, who observed that records showed that since the inception of this scheme mobidity and life expectancy have improved in Delta. Good life is here. Overall, I want to say that Delta State under the watch of Uduaghan has established herself as a pace setter in the health sector through a sound and people oriented health policy. *Ejiro Idama lives in Asaba, Delta State.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 20:45:19 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015