The Bayelsa State Government has flagged-off series of Medical/Surgical Outreaches as part of activities to mark its second year in office.

The State Governor, Senator Douye Diri performed the flag-off ceremony on Monday, February 7, at Christ the King Catholic Hospital, Imiringi, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor noted that the government has been striving to improve health care in the state through various projects and programmes executed in the last two years.

He said these include the completion of the Kaiama Referral Hospital, the expansion of the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme, construction of its permanent complex, the School of Community Midwifery, Sampou, and the construction of a Psychiatric hospital and Rehabilitation center in Ogbia town.

Noting that the School of Nursing has been upgraded to a college, he said the government is constructing the Referral Hospital in Ekeremor, among others.

Governor Diri further announced that the state government will collaborate with the Catholic Church to manage the Christ the King Catholic Hospital henceforth, and post a permanent doctor as well as other relevant health personnel to the hospital.

He pledged that the government will also take over the payment of wages to the staff of the hospital, while assuring that the Medical Outreaches will get to other local government areas in the state.

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In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele said it was significant that the Governor kicked-off activities for his first year in office with the Commissioning of the Kaiama Referral Hospital and is doing same this year with the flag-off of the Medical/Surgical Outreaches.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor for always prioritizing the health of Bayelsans, saying the outreach will serve as a relief to those who may not have accessed health care otherwise.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Wisdom Sawyer in his remarks, said the state government has taken the lead and made health a priority, through numerous projects in Ogbia Local Government Area and beyond.

He said these include the Oloibiri Health Project in collaboration with SPDC, the Emeyal drug store providing drugs to people in Ogbia, the Kolo General Hospital where surgeries are conducted, the renovation of the Otuokpoti Primary Health Care Center among others.

Also in attendance was the Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrujakpo, National and State House of Assembly Members, Commissioners, Traditional rulers and other top government officials.