At least 41 primary health centres (PHCs) across Delta State have been upgraded to Level 2 standards and equipped with modern medical and surgical equipment, as well as independent solar power systems.
The equipment includes delivery beds, gynaecological examination beds, foetal Dopplers, suction machines, surgical instrument sets, oxygen cylinders, nebulisers, adult beds and drug cabinets.
Speaking in Asaba at the official handover of the equipment and infrastructure to the centres, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said each facility also received an off-grid solar power system comprising a 5KVA inverter, 10KWH lithium-ion batteries, MPPT charge controllers and 600-watt solar panels. The systems are backed by 9.3KVA generators to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Charles Eboka, said the intervention was designed to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, improve maternal and child health outcomes and expand access to quality medical services, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, the initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda and his commitment to revitalising healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Highlighting the significance of the intervention, the commissioner said the upgraded health centres would be better equipped to conduct safe deliveries, manage emergencies, improve disease surveillance and reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths.
He added that the government had introduced accountability measures, including formal delivery records and routine monitoring visits, to safeguard the equipment and ensure its optimal utilisation.
The Officer-in-Charge of Iduumuje-Ugboko Primary Healthcare Centre in Aniocha North Local Government Area, Mrs Violet Aruegbe, said the solar installation would address the facility’s electricity challenges, enabling night-time deliveries and prompt emergency responses.
She, however, appealed for a dedicated borehole to complement the upgraded infrastructure.
A Community Health Extension Worker II at Aradhe in Isoko North Local Government Area, Mrs Queen Orogun, commended the state government for providing functional medical equipment, noting that the intervention would improve healthcare services and patient care in rural communities.
Similarly, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer for Ethiope East Local Government Area, Mrs Roseline Umukoro, said the upgraded facilities would strengthen disease surveillance, enhance emergency response and improve community health outcomes.
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