The Delta State Government has upgraded 41 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state to Level-2 standards, equipping them with modern medical and surgical equipment and independent solar power systems to guarantee round-the-clock healthcare services.
Speaking at the official handover of the equipment and infrastructure in Asaba on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, 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.
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 initiative aligned with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda and commitment to revitalising healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
According to the Commissioner, items distributed included more than 27 categories of medical and surgical equipment, such as delivery beds, gynaecological examination beds, foetal Dopplers, suction machines, surgical instrument sets, oxygen cylinders, nebulisers, adult beds and drug cabinets.
He 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, backed by a 9.3KVA generator to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
Highlighting the significance of the intervention, the Commissioner said the upgraded facilities 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 optimal utilisation.
The intervention also complements the state’s free healthcare programme for pregnant women, children under five and senior citizens.
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 response.
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.
