The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce with the ongoing development of the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, in Isoko North Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, made this known during an inspection of ongoing works at the new institution.
He was accompanied by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon; the Chief Job Creation Officer, Mr Ifeanyi Egwunyenga; and the Project Manager, Dr Ngozi Orofuke.
Speaking during the inspection, Onojaeme emphasized the urgent need to train both medical and non-medical personnel to address critical manpower shortages in the state’s health sector.
According to him, the college would play a vital role in producing middle-level healthcare professionals required to manage emerging and existing medical facilities across Delta State.
He noted that the state’s radiotherapy centre, which is nearing completion, would require skilled radiographers, including interventional radiographers.
However, he lamented the low turnout of qualified applicants in previous recruitment exercises, revealing that only two candidates applied for about ten available positions.
The commissioner added that the establishment of a mental health facility, also close to completion, further underscores the need for trained personnel.
He explained that graduates from the College of Health Technology would be instrumental in staffing such facilities, as well as other upgraded institutions, including the General Hospital, Orerokpe, recently upgraded to a central hospital.
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Onojaeme also highlighted the administration’s commitment to completing abandoned projects, citing the Mother and Child Hospital, Ekpan, as one of the facilities now ready for use but requiring adequate manpower.
Addressing the challenge of brain drain, often referred to as the “Japa syndrome,” the commissioner said the state government was prioritizing staff welfare to retain healthcare professionals.
He disclosed that the government provides an annual support grant of N951,400 to resident doctors to aid their training, noting that only a few states in the country offer such incentive.
He expressed optimism that upon completion and commissioning, the College of Health Technology, Ovrode, would commence academic activities promptly and significantly contribute to improving healthcare service delivery in the state.
