NMA Commends Governor Oborevwori on Healthcare Achievements in Delta

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Delta State branch, has expressed confidence that the future of healthcare delivery in the state remains bright under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Association, led by its Chairman, Dr. Israel Adaigho, gave the assurance on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Asaba.

Dr. Adaigho commended the Oborevwori-led government for what he described as massive achievements in healthcare delivery, citing excellence in primary healthcare, the Contributory Health Scheme, improved maternal and child healthcare through mobile clinics, and the strengthening of health institutions across the state.

He listed landmark interventions including the establishment of the College of Health Technology, Ovrode; College of Medical Sciences, Southern Delta University, Ozoro; and the College of Nursing, Onicha-Uku, as well as the renovation of more than 150 primary healthcare centres across Delta.

According to him, the administration has also equipped hospitals with modern facilities such as MRI machines and 25 units of 4D ultrasound scanners, while pioneering the payment of medical residency training funds ahead of the Federal Government.

Beyond healthcare, Dr. Adaigho applauded the Governor for transformative infrastructural projects, including the completion of the Ughelli–Asaba Road dualisation, the construction of flyovers in Effurun and Warri, and the clearance of backlog pension payments for state and local government retirees.

While pledging the Association’s continued partnership with government, he also highlighted pressing challenges, particularly the shortage of manpower in the health sector.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (9th left), Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta State Branch, Dr. Israel Adaigho (9th right), Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme (7th left), Head of Service, Delta State, Dr. Minnie Oseji (6th left) and some government functionaries with members of the Nigerian Medical Association, shortly after a courtesy visit to the Governor in Government House, Asaba on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

In his response, Governor Oborevwori commended the NMA for its role in safeguarding quality healthcare, describing doctors and health workers as patriots who continue to serve the nation despite the lure of better opportunities abroad.

The Governor reeled out some of his administration’s interventions, including the procurement of eight dialysis machines—three each for Asaba Specialist Hospital and Central Hospital, Warri, and two for DELSUTH, Oghara—as well as three MRI machines, one for each senatorial district of the state.

Reaffirming the need for doctors to remain in Nigeria, Oborevwori said: “It is better for our doctors to work in Nigeria and earn their respect than to go abroad and become care assistants.”

He assured that his administration would address the concerns raised by the Association and reiterated his commitment to equipping Delta hospitals with facilities comparable to those in developed countries. The Governor also approved the release of a bus to the NMA.