…As Orientation Bureau partners DELSU medical students on doctors beyond clinic project
By Omonigho Okotie
The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation Bureau, Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that the state government is committed to the enhancement of students healthcare services, and upgrading facilities in government owned hospitals across the three senatorial districts.
Oghenesivbe made the disclosure in Asaba, when he received on courtesy visit, the executive members of the Delta State University Medical Students Association, DUMSA, led by the President, Mr Gideon Kane Muemuifo, in his office, saying that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has in fulfilment of his electioneering campaigns promises commenced multifaceted healthcare programmes across board, and had also approved the release of over N3 billion for hospital equipments and infrastructure development.
He pointed out that in addition to that, the governor recently approved the commencement of the Tertiary Institutions Students Insurance Programme, TISIP, under the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, DSCHC, to provide quality healthcare services to all students of Delta State origin across the country, adding that the deliberate efforts of the governor in the health sector is yielding tremendous results.
Oghenesivbe, who was represented by the Director of Administration at the State Orientation Bureau, Mrs Kate Olika, assured the medical students of the Bureau’s readiness to collaborate with DUMSA to fight drug abuse in Tertiary Institutions, and to also participate in their pet project christened “Doctors Beyond The Clinic,” aimed at providing free eye screening, medical tests and free drugs to patients during the one week event.
He disclosed that the State Bureau of Orientation is finalizing plans to commence massive sensitization campaigns on drug abuse and it’s multifaceted negative effects, in partnership with the State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, saying that the state government and the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori shall continue to prioritize students healthcare services and welfare through multifaceted means.
“During his state wide campaigns in 2023, the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori assured youths in the state that his administration would partner with them, give them slots in his cabinet, and he fulfilled his promise.
“As we speak, the 2023 Bursary has been fully paid to all qualified and eligible students of Delta State origin in Tertiary Institutions across Nigeria. Processing of 2024 Bursary will soon commence, while financial assistance to Law School students is receiving the kind attention of the governor.
“The Tertiary Institutions Students Insurance Programme is another plus for governor Oborevwori. Delta is the first to commence such a gigantic students health scheme. He’s doing all of these things to demonstrate his love for our youths, and his genuine interest in mentoring and positioning them to take over the business of governance and leadership from the older generation.
“Your Doctor Beyond The Clinic project is a laudable one, and the State Orientation Bureau under my watch and leadership is ready and willing to go all out with your members and partners to get things done during the one week public healthcare event,” Oghenesivbe assured.
Speaking earlier, the President of Delta State University Medical Students Association, DUMSA, Mr Gideon Kane Muemuifo, said the visit was to seek collaboration with the Bureau, especially DUMSA’s Doctor Beyond The Clinic project, aimed at providing free medical services to the people.
He disclosed that DELSU Medical Students Association is developing a special Artificial intelligence, AI, that would enhance medical research efforts, and it will be the first of it’s kind ever developed by students in Nigeria.
Muemuifo commended the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his passion in youth development through various political appointments, health programmes and prompt payment of students bursary. He appealed to the Governor and the government to support their AI research efforts so as to facilitate timely completion.
“We are here to commend the head of the Bureau, and his team for the good job done so far. Everybody in the state now know that we have a Bureau because of the kind of awareness you have created within a short period of time office.
“DUMSA is doing a lot and we have a long long public healthcare programme christened ‘Doctors Beyond The Clinic ‘ and it would afford is the opportunity to provide free eye screening, free medical tests and to also provide free drugs and other materials to people who cannot afford them.
“Fight against drug abuse is another area where we need to partner with your Bureau. We believe in your ability to guide the process and to give the project the awareness it deserves. DUMSA is counting on your and other sponsors and partners,” Muemifo added.
The Bureau, was well represented by the Director of Administration, Mrs Kate Olika, Director of Administration and Accounts, Mr. Ngozi Uwaje, State Deputy Director of Orientation, Mrs. Judith Emeka-wemembu, Mr. Leslie Obiebi, and Assistant Chief Information Officer, Mr. Omonigho Okotie, signifying the Bureau’s commitment to fostering a drug-free and robust Delta State.
