Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Health has assured of better working relationship with the State Ministry of health and parastatals under it, at ensuring they deliver government laudable programmes in the health sector.
Chairman of the committee, Hon (Chief) Ferguson Onwo, KSC, stated this when he led members on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner and management of the State Ministry of Health at Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba, the State Capital.
Hon Onwo explained that the visit was in line with the oversight function of the State House of Assembly as provided in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking after brief summary of the workings of the various departments in the ministry by the Commissioner and heads of departments, Hon Onwo stated that there was the need for first hand knowledge of happenings in the MDAs under the oversight of the committee to support effective collaboration between them and the state legislature.
He stated that the interactive session with officials would improved service delivery in the ministry, and urged all to be up and doing at enduring positive outcomes on government efforts in the health sector.
The Lawmaker pointed out the need for more attention at checkmating incidence of drug abuse, registration and monitoring of quacks in the health sector as well as sensitization of the public in the areas of communicable diseases amongst others.
Hon Onwo called for mutual working relationship among staffs of the ministry, and the various departments, saying that there was no need for any rancor as they are all working to achieving same goals and objectives in the health sector.
He stated that the sensitivity nature of the health sector, makes it unique and deserving of contact attention of stakeholders, including the Delta State Assembly, adding that good healthcare services is of top priority to the state government.
Two Members of the committee, Hon Festus Okoh and Perkins Umukoro, enjoined the ministry officials to do more in some critical areas in the sector, including public health, research and planning.
Commissioner for health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme commended the Lawmakers for the visit, stressing that good synergy between the MDAs and the Assembly Committee on Health would help improve quality healthcare services delivery in the state.
Dr Onojaeme disclosed that the ministry was already working towards achieving major feats in the health sector, in line with the MORE agenda of the state government.
The familiarization visits to MDAs in the health sector as part of the oversight function of the committee, continues.