Despite recent government investments in the state’s health sector, Bayelsa State medical professionals on Thursday demanded more funding for critical care facilities, emergency medical services, and specialized healthcare, claiming that these interventions are crucial to improving patient outcomes.
The appeal was made at the Nigerian Medical Association’s Bayelsa State branch’s 30th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Yenagoa. Medical professionals emphasized that the state’s healthcare system still needs more specialized personnel, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, and enhanced emergency response systems.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Wilcox Izibeya, the Chairman of the NMA in Bayelsa State, praised the government’s efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure but stated that more focus should be placed on hiring specialists, bolstering emergency medical response systems, and offering cutting-edge diagnostic facilities.
Izibeya stated, “We need to invest more in critical care services, emergency medical response systems, advanced diagnostic facilities, and specialized medical personnel.”
Medical professionals were reassured by Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe, who represented Governor Douye Diri, that the administration would keep investing in healthcare infrastructure, technology, and human resources to increase access to high-quality medical treatment throughout the state.
He claims that the government has expanded the state health insurance program, built a hemodialysis and general outpatient center, finished and equipped the 500-bed Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, and teamed up with Zipline to use drones to transport vital medications and vaccines to isolated areas.
However, Akpe acknowledged that maintaining qualified medical personnel and enhancing the provision of healthcare in riverine areas continued to be significant obstacles.
He declared, “The government is ready to receive constructive professional advice that will strengthen reforms, improve standards, promote ethical leadership, and expand equitable access to high-quality healthcare.”
Speaking as well, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, the Commissioner for Health, revealed that the state government has authorized better welfare packages for healthcare professionals as part of initiatives to create a robust healthcare system.
Additionally, he urged doctors at the Federal Medical Center in Yenagoa to put a halt to their current strike and to discuss industrial action.
Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John (retd.), a former deputy governor of Bayelsa State, urged continued investment in hospital infrastructure and promoted the use of artificial intelligence to assist healthcare personnel and lessen clinical workload without displacing medical experts.
In a virtual keynote speech, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, praised Bayelsa’s efforts in healthcare but emphasized the need to guarantee that all residents, regardless of location, have access to high-quality medical treatment.
In a similar vein, Dr. Emuren Doubra, the National Programme Manager of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, advocated for improved communication and emergency response systems in order to save more lives during medical crises.
Government representatives, medical experts, and healthcare stakeholders gathered for the conference, which had as its theme “Healthcare Leadership and Political Will: Catalyst for Reform, Global Competitiveness and Equitable Access,” to discuss strategies for improving healthcare delivery in Bayelsa State.
