A delegation from the federal Ministry of Health visits Kwale central Hospital in Delta state on a fact finding mission.

A high-powered delegation from the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, has conducted a fact-finding mission to Central Hospital, Kwale, Delta State, to assess facilities and personnel ahead of plans to convert the hospital into a teaching hospital for the Federal University of Health and Medical Sciences, Kwale.

The delegation, led by Dr. Abisola Adegoke, mni, Director of Hospital Services (DHS), paid a courtesy visit to the Delta State Government through the office of the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, upon arrival in the state.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Adegoke commended the Delta State Government for donating the hospital to the Federal Government, describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening medical education and healthcare delivery in the region.

She explained that the team was in the state to evaluate the equipment and manpower available at the hospital before submitting a report to the Federal Government.

According to her, the process would pave the way for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the official handover of the hospital to the Federal Government.

Members of the delegation included Dr. Okpikpi Okpako, Director of Teaching Hospitals; Dr. Ahmed Saidu, Director/STA, CMHSW; Dr. Okara Dogara, STA, PSH; Dr. Paul Kwetishe, HCU/DHS; and Dr. Olufemi Adebayo, Head of Secretariat.

The visit was coordinated by former House of Representatives member for Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ossai N. Ossai, alongside the Chairman of the Technical Committee for the hospital’s transition, Dr. Ernest Ogbodo.

Welcoming the delegation, Deputy Governor Onyeme thanked the Minister of Health for approving the assessment visit and reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to work with the Federal Government.

He noted that the university management had visited the state several times since the institution was established and had received various documents from the state government.

“As an indigene of the community, it is a great honour to have the university functioning here. This is the first university in my area, and we are committed to working with the Federal Government to upgrade the hospital and strengthen its operations,” Onyeme said.

Hon. Ossai also appreciated the Deputy Governor for the warm reception, noting that the state government had already wriiten to Federal government ceding the kwale central hospital to them .

At Central Hospital Kwale, Dr. Ernest Ogbedo introduced the delegation to the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Patrick Ofili, who guided the team through various departments, wards and facilities while presenting staff members on duty.

The delegation later visited the palace of the Oduosa of Utagba-Ogbe, Nze Isaac Obi. Ossai explained that the palace had earlier written to the Minister of Health requesting a teaching hospital for the university, a move that facilitated the ministry’s assessment visit.

Dr. Adegoke thanked the monarch and the community for their support, explaining that the university requires a functional teaching hospital to train doctors and other medical professionals.

“Our task is to assess the hospital’s facilities, equipment and personnel, identify gaps and advise the government on what needs to be done to meet the required standards for training and healthcare delivery,” she said.

She added that the teaching hospital would not only support medical training but also improve healthcare services in the community and create employment opportunities.

President-General of the Utagba-Ogbe community, Chief Ifeanyi Edeme who spoke on behalf of the palace, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the university and plans to upgrade the hospital into a teaching facility.

The delegation also visited the temporary site of the university where the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Nekwu Okolugbo, received them on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abel Onunu.

During the visit, Ossai disclosed that the Umusam community had donated two hostels — one for male students and the other for female students — to support the university’s operations.

He pledged continued support to ensure the institution functions effectively.