The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, medical personnel, technology and emergency response systems to improve access to quality healthcare services across the state.
Governor Douye Diri stated this on Thursday at the 30th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Bayelsa State Branch, held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, described healthcare as a major priority of his administration and a critical foundation for human development, productivity and shared prosperity.
Governor Diri said the state government had continued to make strategic investments in the health sector, including the completion and equipping of the 500-bed Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, the establishment of a Haemodialysis and General Outpatient Centre, and the expansion of the state health insurance scheme.
He also highlighted the government’s partnership with Zipline to deploy drones for the delivery of vaccines, essential medicines and other critical medical supplies to healthcare facilities and communities, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas.
The Governor acknowledged challenges in retaining skilled health workers, improving healthcare services in remote communities and enhancing the welfare of medical personnel, assuring the NMA of continued collaboration and openness to professional recommendations.
His words: “The Prosperity Administration of Senator Douye Diri recognizes healthcare, not only as a social obligation, but also as a foundation for human development, productivity and shared prosperity.
” For this administration, political will in the health system is demonstrated through concrete commitment to sustained investments.
“However, government is prepared to receive constructive professional counsel that will strengthen reforms, improve standards, promote ethical leadership and expand equitable access to high quality healthcare.
“Attaining 30 years is an institutional milestone. It is a clear dedication to professional organization sustained by advocacy and commitment to the health and well-being of our people. I salute the founding members of this branch of the NMA, its successive leaders and the present executive council for preserving the integrity and relevance of this association.”
In his remark, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, said the state government was building an integrated and resilient healthcare system aimed at increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life of residents.
The Commissioner also said the government had approved improved welfare packages for healthcare workers and appealed to the striking Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Yenagoa to immediately suspend their industrial action, emphasising that industrial action should be considered only after all avenues for resolving disputes had been exhausted.
Declaring the conference open, Chairman of the occasion and former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Rtd, called for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, modern medical technology and the continuous training of health professionals.
He also urged the adoption of Artificial Intelligence to support healthcare workers, reduce clinical workload and improve service delivery without replacing human judgement.
In her virtual keynote address, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who commended the Bayelsa State Government for its investment in healthcare and stressed the need for equitable access to quality medical services.
Also participating virtually, the National Programme Manager of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, Dr. Emuren Doubra, called for stronger emergency response and communication infrastructure.
Earlier in his welcoming address, the Chairman of the NMA, Bayelsa State Branch, Dr. Wilcox Izibeya, acknowledged the contributions of the state government to healthcare delivery in the state and called for greater investment in specialist medical personnel, advanced diagnostic facilities, emergency medical response systems and critical care services.
The conference, themed, “Healthcare Leadership and Political Will: Catalyst for Reform, Global Competitiveness and Equitable Access,” was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Sawyer, the Chairman House Committee on Health, Dr Godbless Oyinke, the Provost, College of Medical Science, Federal University, Otuoke, Prof. Dennis Alagoa, among other dignitaries
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