BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Chairman, Delta State Hospital Management Board (HMB), Dr. Paul Oweh, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to delivering quality and affordable healthcare services, emphasizing that the Board will continue to strengthen oversight across hospitals to ensure strict compliance with operational standards.
Oweh made this known during an oversight visit to l General hospitals in Isoko North and South Local Government Areas, where his team assessed staff performance, facility conditions, and adherence to key government programmes especially the free Maternal Health Scheme and the Under-Five Healthcare Scheme.
Speaking with journalists during the visit, Dr. Oweh explained that the monitoring exercise was part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to evaluate service delivery and enforce discipline among healthcare workers.
“The idea is to see how well our facilities and staff are performing. We also check compliance with the free maternal and under-five health programmes and identify any infractions as we go around,” he said.
According to him, hospitals visited included General Hospital Oleh, Government Hospital Olomoro, General Hospital Owhelogbo, and General Hospital Ozoro. He described the overall performance as encouraging but noted the need for stronger public awareness on government-sponsored health schemes.
“Many patients benefiting from the free maternal and under-five programmes are not paying, which is commendable. However, we must intensify advocacy so that more people are aware and register their children under the scheme,” he added.
Addressing public concerns over the efficiency of government hospitals, Dr. Oweh stressed that the Delta State Hospital Management Board employs some of the most qualified medical personnel in the state.
“Most of the consultants you find across Delta are staff of the Board. The challenge of understaffing exists, but the government is already addressing it. We expect approval for new recruitments soon,” he disclosed.
He, however, cautioned that limited manpower should not be used as an excuse for negligence or unethical practices, urging staff to remain professional and committed to duty.
Oweh commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his sustained investments in the health sector, noting that his administration has significantly improved hospital infrastructure and medical equipment across the state.
