Posted to the Web: Tuesday, September 26, 2006

While speaking to a group of his supporters in the state, Echegile said his aim is to ensure basic health care for all and thereby increase the life expectancy of Deltans.

The primary objective of his health programme effort will be to improve access to health infrastructure at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. He also stated that he will grade all existing health institutions in the state as well as improve the working conditions of health workers. "And there is no doubt about it, God willing, the Delta State University Teaching Hospital will become a centre of medical excellence comparable to the best centre in Europe and America.

Special focus he said will be on primary health because this is the closest to the generality of Deltans and in order to accomplish this five primary health centres per local government will be built for quick access to medical care. Two general hospitals per local government will also be built within the first four years, while highly qualified medical personnel will be engaged to be able to diagnose and treat appropriately in the health care institutions.

He told party faithful and supporters that he had already completed work on the blueprint for health care in the state. In addition, he said a major pharmaceutical company will be established with the capacity to employ over 5000 skilled, semi skilled and unskilled personnel. “I will not wait to be sworn in before preparing a manifesto. I already have one and this will be implemented to the latter with the PDP’s policies.