Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Friday, began scheduled visits to institutions under the state’s health sector to seek ways for improve service delivery in the institutions.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon (Chief) Ferguson Onwo, said it is a constitutional responsibility of the legislature through oversight functions of its committees to ensure regular interfaces with government ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs.
Hon Onwo stated that such synergy can only promote standards, enforce efficiency and promote innovations in the system for the benefit of the people and society at large.
Addressing management and staff of the State’s Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the Lawmaker who represents Isoko South 11 in the House, charged the officials to think outside the box in a bid to addressing numerous challenges that are capable of hindering efficient service delivery in the primary healthcare system in the state.
Flanked by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Prince Emeka Osamuta and three other members, Perkins Umukoro, Festus Utuama and Mathew Omonade, Hon Onwo promised that the House will intervene where necessary, especially in the area of legal backing and other related legislations that will strengthen the activities of the Agency.
He explained that the essence of the visit was to interact with the officials, listen to their concerns and examine how best to collaborate in addressing issues raised.
Emphasizing the place of the health sector in the MORE mantra of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Hon Onwo maintained that quality healthcare services is a key component of the campaign promises of the present administration in the state.
He assured officials of continuous interface with critical stakeholders to improve standards and service delivery in the state’s primary healthcare system.
Earlier, Functioning Executive Director, Delta State Primary HealthCare Development Agency, Dr. Paul Yinkori and the Executive Secretary, Aniocha North Local Government Health Authority, Dr Anthony Okolo, highlighted some of the challenges facing Primary Health Care Services in the State, including paucity of funds to run its operations, infrastructural deficit, inadequate equipments and manpower, amongst others.
They appealed for intervention of the Committee in solving some of the challenges, even as they commended members for the visit.
At the Asaba Specialist Hospital, ASH, the Hon Ferguson Onwo led Committee on Health was conducted round various sections of the hospital by the Chief Medical Director, Dr Peace Ighosewe who disclosed some of the achievements recorded in the hospital in recent times.
She commended the State Government and members of the house committee on health for the various interventions and appealed for more support in addressing some pressing challenges.
Members of the committee inspected some of the facilities at the Accident and Emergency Ward, Oxygen Plant, Surgical Center, X-ray and Ultra Scan Centers, Pediatrics Ward, Male and Female Wards amongst others.
Chairman of the Committee, Ferguson Onwo who commended the CMD and management of the hospital for their hard-work and dedication to saving lives, also assured them of robust relationship with the committee towards ensuring quality services in the hospital.
The visit by members of the House Committee on Health to health facilities in the state continues.
