The Delta State Government says it has deployed three MRI machines, three CT scanners and 25 4D ultrasound machines to improve access to specialised healthcare across the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Festus Ahon, disclosed this during an interview on Independent Radio FM 92.3, Benin on Tuesday.

Ahon said the MRI machines, which use 1.5-Tesla helium-free technology, were installed at the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital, Warri, and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

He said the equipment was part of measures by the administration to reduce the need for residents to travel outside the state or abroad for specialised medical diagnosis.

According to him, the government also acquired three CT scanners, eight dialysis machines and other radiology and laboratory equipment for major public hospitals.

Ahon said 25 4D ultrasound machines were distributed to general hospitals across the state’s 25 local government areas.

He said the distribution was intended to bring advanced diagnostic services closer to residents, particularly those who might not be able to afford treatment or diagnosis outside the state.

The governor’s aide also disclosed that the government had employed more than 700 healthcare workers to address manpower shortages in public health facilities.

He said Oborevwori had directed that doctors and nurses who leave the state health service should be replaced immediately to prevent manpower gaps.

“Because of his commitment to the health sector, the governor recently employed over 700 health workers. Apart from that, he equally gave a standing order that if, for any reason, any doctor or nurse ‘japa’, he or she should be replaced immediately. There is no room for a vacuum,” Ahon said.

On efforts to retain medical personnel, he said the government introduced monthly tax-free allowances of N200,000 for doctors and N100,000 for health officers.

Ahon further said the state had expanded its contributory health insurance scheme, with more than three million people enrolled.

He added that the government provides free healthcare for children aged zero to five years, while 10,000 widows enrolled in the scheme also receive monthly stipends of N15,000.

The Chief Press Secretary said the administration had also established a College of Health Technology at Ovrode in Isoko North Local Government Area to train middle-level health workers.

He added that a College of Medicine had been established at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, as part of efforts to develop the state’s medical workforce.

Ahon said the interventions were part of the administration’s MORE Agenda, aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, access to medical services and the availability of trained health personnel across Delta State.