Niger Delta
Delta govt. approves procurement of MRI machines for hospitals

The Delta government has approved the transfer of the General Hospital in Otor-Udu to the Federal Ministry of Health for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area of the state.
This decision was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, during a press briefing on the state EXCO meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The Federal Government had earlier approved the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Ovwian, and the state EXCO has now ratified the transfer of the General Hospital, Otor-Udu to facilitate this development.
Dr. Onojaeme noted that the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Ovwian was a commendable development that would help to provide much-needed healthcare services to the people and residents of Udu and environs.
In addition to the transfer of the General Hospital, the state EXCO also approved the procurement and installation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Central Hospital Warri, and the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
According to Onojaeme, these machines are non-invasive and will answer a lot of clinical questions, ranging from prostate imaging to brain and soft tissue imaging.
The Commissioner highlighted the features of the MRI machines, noting that they are 1.5 Tesla MRI scan machines that are Helium-free.
”This is significant because the previous MRI machine in the state was Helium-dependent, and the cost of refilling Helium was almost equivalent to purchasing a new machine.
”The new machines are product-specific Siemens German machines that come with a two-year maintenance warranty, ” he said.
The procurement of the MRI machines is expected to expand the frontiers of healthcare delivery in the state.
”Prior to this development, patients were being referred to UBTH and LUTH for high-end imaging.
”With the purchase of these machines, some of these imaging services will now be available in the state, reducing the need for referrals and improving access to healthcare services for residents, ” he added.
The transfer of the General Hospital, Otor-Udu to the Federal Government and the procurement of MRI machines are significant developments in the healthcare sector of Delta State.
These initiatives are expected to improve access to healthcare services, reduce referrals, and enhance the overall quality of care in the state.