The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, has highlighted significant improvements in the 2025 budget of the Ministry of Health, with a strong focus on reducing mortality rates and sustaining high natality levels across the state.
Dr. Onojaeme revealed that the 2025 budget prioritizes capital infrastructural development, emphasizing the provision of advanced medical equipment for hospitals and the upgrade of over 150 primary healthcare centers. “We are equipping our hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities, including radiotherapy equipment, which has been unavailable in the South-South region. This will strengthen our healthcare delivery system,” he stated.
Speaking on uncompleted projects, the commissioner noted that the majority of ongoing facility renovations are nearing completion. “Most facilities are 90 to 100 percent done. Minor finishing touches will be addressed early next year, and contractors have been given strict timelines to meet their deadlines,” he assured.
Addressing the challenge posed by the “Japa syndrome,” where healthcare professionals emigrate for better opportunities, Dr. Onojaeme praised the governor’s proactive measures. “His Excellency has approved a standing order to replace doctors and nurses who leave the system. This eliminates bureaucratic delays and ensures continuity in healthcare delivery,” he explained.
Dr. Onojaeme highlighted the ministry’s achievements in improving health indices in Delta State. “Our mortality rate has dropped significantly, from over 400 percent to less than 30 percent. This reflects the effectiveness of our healthcare initiatives. Meanwhile, our natality rate has surpassed 1,000 live births, a testament to the robust health services we are providing,” he said.
The commissioner attributed these achievements to the state’s contributory healthcare scheme, which recently earned recognition as the best in West Africa. “By sustaining these efforts in 2025, we aim to maintain and build on this progress,” he added.
Dr. Onojaeme underscored the importance of primary healthcare centers, noting that the ministry plans to equip all centers with basic medical tools. “Upgrading these centers ensures that rural and underserved communities have access to quality healthcare, further reducing preventable deaths and improving maternal and child health,” he said.
As Delta State advances into 2025, Dr. Onojaeme expressed optimism about the ministry’s ability to sustain its positive trajectory. “We are committed to providing top-notch healthcare services and ensuring that every Delta resident has access to life-saving medical interventions,” he concluded.
