TUE SEPT 29 2026-theGBJournal| Delta State is expanding specialist healthcare services at Central Hospital, Warri, with new diagnostic and critical-care equipment aimed at improving access to advanced treatment locally.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner installed at the hospital is already operational, after a lumbar scan was successfully carried out during an inspection.
The MRI service is expected to open to patients next Wednesday, with charges to be set at regulated rates, the commissioner said.
The hospital’s CT scanner and dialysis unit are also functioning, while an intensive care unit is about 90% complete.
The ICU is expected to begin operating within two weeks, following the installation of ventilators.
The investment comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen specialist healthcare capacity and reduce the need for patients to travel abroad for medical treatment.
But maintaining such equipment can be as important as installing it.
Dr Onojaeme said the state government had established a maintenance arrangement under which 30% of revenue generated from the MRI, CT and dialysis services would be retained in a revolving fund.
The money will be used to maintain the equipment and help keep the services running after manufacturers’ warranties expire, he said.
The commissioner said the approach was intended to reduce dependence on government funding for maintenance while ensuring that the new facilities continue to provide specialist care to patients in Delta State.
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