BY: JUMAI NWACHUKWU
The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has commended the Mother and Child Hospital in Owa-Alero, Ika North-East Local Government Area, for its high standard of healthcare delivery, describing the facility as well-positioned to support the state’s Equity Health Plan aimed at expanding access to care for pregnant women and children under five.
Dr. Akpoveta gave the commendation during a monitoring visit to the hospital alongside members of the Commission’s communication team. The visit provided an opportunity to assess the hospital’s facilities and its capacity to deliver quality maternal and child healthcare services, while also highlighting the efforts of the Delta State Government and healthcare workers in ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services under the state’s MORE Agenda.
According to him, the Equity Health Plan was designed to ensure that pregnant women and children under the age of five receive quality healthcare services without experiencing financial hardship.
He explained that maternal and child health remains a major priority for the Delta State Government, noting that facilities such as the Mother and Child Hospital play a critical role in achieving the objectives of the programme.
Akpoveta emphasised that the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive services, including antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal services, makes it an important partner in the state’s efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
The Director-General also commended the management and staff of the hospital for their dedication and commitment to delivering quality healthcare services, urging them to continue maintaining high standards in patient care.
He further praised the equipment available at the facility, noting that it enables pregnant women, children, and other patients to access various diagnostic services without the need to travel long distances for medical tests.
Akpoveta assured that the Commission would continue to strengthen collaboration with accredited healthcare facilities to ensure that scheme beneficiaries receive the full range of services covered under the Equity Health Plan.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Delta State Government to improving healthcare access through sustained investment in health infrastructure and the continued expansion of the scheme.
The visit, he said, forms part of ongoing efforts by the Commission to promote the Governor’s MORE Agenda in the health sector, as well as to monitor facilities participating in the scheme to ensure they meet the required standards for effective healthcare delivery.
Akpoveta added that Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori remains determined to ensure that no resident of the state is denied access to essential healthcare services.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the facility, Dr. Martins Egbase, applauded the Director-General of the DSCHC, the Hospitals Management Board, and the Delta State Ministry of Health for their commitment to promoting the achievements of the state government, particularly in the health sector.
Dr. Egbase described the visit as timely, noting that it provided an opportunity for officials to see first-hand the experiences of beneficiaries and ensure the effective implementation of the state government’s free maternal and under-five healthcare policy. He explained that the facility was commissioned three years ago with the primary objective of reducing maternal mortality, as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality in the state.
“It is truly a blessing to be a pregnant woman in Delta State. Healthcare often comes with different burdens, and the cost of medical services can determine whether patients seek care early or delay treatment, which can lead to serious complications.
“But the State Government has taken responsibility for supporting these vulnerable groups—women and children. This initiative removes a significant part of the burden associated with accessing healthcare services,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Beauty Goodluck, said she had not paid any money since registering for antenatal care at the hospital. “I am receiving my antenatal care at the Mother and Child Hospital, and I have not paid a dime since I registered. The health personnel have been very supportive, and we sincerely appreciate His Excellency for making this possible,” she said.