Delta State Executive Council (EXCO) has approved the transfer of the General Hospital, Otor-Udu, to the Federal Ministry of Health for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed this while briefing journalists on key decisions taken during the EXCO meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Dr. Onojaeme recalled that the Federal Government had earlier approved the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Ovwian. He noted that EXCO’s ratification of the hospital transfer would fast-track the centre’s takeoff.
“Sometime back, the Federal Government approved the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Ovwian; so, we are giving them the Otor-Udu General Hospital which is to be handed over to the Federal Ministry of Health”,he said.
He described the decision as a “healthy and commendable development” for residents of Udu and surrounding communities, adding:
“The establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Ovwian is a good development because Udu and environs actually need a specialist health centre to complement what we have already given at the Central Hospital, Warri”.
Dr. Onojaeme also announced EXCO’s approval for the procurement and installation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital Warri, and Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
“Also, EXCO graciously approved the procurement of three Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan machines,” he said. “These machines are non-invasive and answer a lot of clinical questions ranging from excellent prostate imaging, degenerative spine injuries, brain and other soft tissue imaging”.
He emphasized that Delta State previously lacked a functional MRI machine, forcing referrals to facilities like UBTH and LUTH.
“The one we had before now didn’t stand the test of time because it was helium-dependent. The cost of refilling helium was nearly equivalent to purchasing a new machine.
“So, this one is good for the state. We went for a product-specific Siemens German machine. It’s helium-free, comes with a 1.5 Tesla capacity, and includes a two-year maintenance warranty. It’s a good one for the state”.
