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In a major relief for patients grappling with kidney-related ailments, the Delta State Government has announced a significant reduction in the cost of dialysis treatment across its hospitals, bringing the fee down from over ₦70,000 to ₦45,000.

The disclosure was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, during a live appearance on Delta Television’s Politics in Perspective. He revealed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the procurement of eight new dialyzers to drive the initiative, describing it as part of the administration’s sweeping reforms to make healthcare more affordable and accessible.

Dr. Onojaeme further highlighted recent state investments in advanced diagnostic facilities, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scan machines. These, he noted, will spare residents the burden of travelling long distances within and outside Nigeria for essential medical diagnosis.

The Health Commissioner underscored the administration’s zero tolerance for misconduct in the health sector, warning personnel against sharp practices and stressing that erring staff would face severe sanctions.

Beyond specialist care, the commissioner announced that Governor Oborevwori has approved the renovation and comprehensive overhaul of more than 150 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state’s three senatorial districts. He pointed to the state’s free maternal healthcare programme as a notable success, which has already reduced maternal mortality rates from 350 to 120 per 100,000 live births.

Dr. Onojaeme added that government hospitals have now been granted approval to retain and utilise 100 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund operational needs, further strengthening service delivery. Currently, Delta State boasts three tertiary hospitals, 65 general hospitals, and 441 PHCs, many of which are undergoing full remodelling.

On the state’s contributory health scheme, he explained that reforms have been implemented to block sabotage attempts, with erring medical staff sanctioned or demoted. He also assured that strict surveillance measures under the Drug Revolving Fund are in place to shield patients from counterfeit and adulterated drugs.

The commissioner praised Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, noting his recognition by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) as the first state governor to pay the Medical Residency Fund, while simultaneously pursuing landmark health sector projects.

He urged Deltans to embrace regular medical check-ups for early detection and prevention of life-threatening conditions, reaffirming the governor’s commitment to driving a health system where affordability and accessibility remain the core focus.

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