The Delta State Government has trained more than 50 medical doctors in cancer detection, preliminary diagnosis and referral procedures as part of efforts to improve access to specialised cancer care within the state.
The training comes ahead of the planned introduction of advanced oncology services at the Osubi Specialist Hospital, a project expected to reduce the need for residents to travel outside Delta for specialised treatment.
The one-day capacity-building programme was organised by the Department of Medical Services and Training under the Delta State Ministry of Health. It took place at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba on Wednesday.
FG? Delta Government Strengthens Cancer Care Capacity
Speaking through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Gloria Ferife, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said the initiative was designed to equip frontline doctors with the skills needed to recognise possible cancer symptoms, carry out initial assessments and refer patients promptly to specialists.
He explained that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was investing in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development to improve the quality and accessibility of medical services across Delta State.
According to the commissioner, the Osubi Specialist Hospital is expected to provide advanced medical services, including specialised oncology care, bringing treatment closer to residents and reducing the financial and logistical challenges associated with seeking care outside the state.
Onojaeme also disclosed that the government had approved the recruitment of more than 700 additional health workers as part of broader efforts to improve staffing levels across public health facilities.
He added that the introduction of the tax-free MORE Specialist Allowance for doctors was intended to attract qualified professionals, improve staff motivation and encourage medical personnel to remain within the state’s healthcare system.
The commissioner urged participating doctors to pay close attention to cancer warning signs, maintain complete clinical records and ensure suspected cases are referred without unnecessary delays.
He stressed that modern hospital facilities alone would not guarantee better outcomes unless patients could also access timely assessments and appropriate specialist care.
Health Officials Emphasise Early Detection
The Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr Uwomano Oghounu, highlighted the importance of identifying cancer early and ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses and timely referrals.
He said the training was intended to strengthen doctors’ ability to recognise symptoms that may indicate cancer and make appropriate decisions about further investigation and specialist treatment.
Oghounu also encouraged the doctors to improve medical documentation, communicate effectively with colleagues and maintain continuity of care throughout the referral process.
He urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the programme to their daily clinical responsibilities.
Doctors Asked to Prepare for Osubi Oncology Services
A consultant radiologist at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr Daniel Isoje, welcomed the initiative and called on medical practitioners across Delta State to familiarise themselves with the oncology services planned for Osubi Specialist Hospital.
He emphasised the need for doctors to understand the referral procedures that will enable patients with suspected cancer to access the appropriate services.
Isoje noted that providing specialised cancer care within the state could ease some of the difficulties faced by patients who currently need to seek treatment elsewhere.
The training forms part of the state government’s wider efforts to combine investment in medical infrastructure with professional development and improved referral systems.
With the planned expansion of oncology services at Osubi Specialist Hospital, the government aims to strengthen early cancer detection, facilitate faster access to specialists and improve the availability of specialised treatment for residents across Delta State.
