The Delta Ministry of Health has proposed N6.7 billion for the provision of quality and affordable health care services in 2018.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Azinge, stated this on Wednesday in Asaba, during a budget defence before the state House of Assembly Committee on Health.
Azinge said that the ministry had it as a priority to ensure quality, accessible, equitable and affordable healthcare services at all levels.
He said the proposed capital budget of N6.7 billion was an indication of the state government’s resolve to achieve universal health coverage at all levels of healthcare.
The commissioner further disclosed that N1.2 billion was set aside for the state’s contributory health commission.
He said that N400 million was earmarked for the renovation and completion of primary health centres across the state, adding that primary healthcare was the cornerstone of healthcare system.
Azinge said that N70 million was proposed for disease control to enhance intervention and prevention.
He also said that N400 million was for the renovation and expansion of existing hospitals across the state while the ministry had an outstanding commitment of N22.5 million.
The commissioner said another N400 million was for the provision of medical equipment in hospitals and other health institutions across the state.
Azinge further said that N200 million was required to complete the building of the auditoriums at the School of Nursing, Warri, and School of Midwifery in Asaba and Sapele.
He noted that effective primary healthcare would address most of the healthcare needs of the people thereby reducing the burden on secondary and tertiary healthcare delivery systems.
He said this would help to promote the development of cottage hospitals and comprehensive health centres to the status of general hospitals.
Responding, the Chairman, of the house committee, Dr Alphonsus Ojo, decried the inconsistencies noticed in the budgets of the various institutions and parastatal organisations, under the ministry and that of the ministry itself.
Ojo said that some of the health institutions and parastatal organisations were giving details different from what the ministry gave.
He urged them to put their house in order as there were obvious gaps in their presentations.


