Bayelsa doctors seek more investment in specialist care, emergency services

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Medical practitioners in Bayelsa State on Thursday called for increased investment in specialist healthcare, emergency medical services and critical care facilities, saying such interventions are essential to improving patient outcomes despite recent government investments in the state’s health sector.

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The appeal was made at the 30th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association, Bayelsa State branch, held in Yenagoa, where health experts stressed that the state’s healthcare system still requires more specialist manpower, modern diagnostic equipment and improved emergency response systems.

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Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NMA in Bayelsa State, Dr Wilcox Izibeya, acknowledged the government’s efforts in expanding healthcare infrastructure but said more attention should be given to recruiting specialist doctors, strengthening emergency medical response systems and providing advanced diagnostic facilities.

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“We need greater investment in specialist medical personnel, advanced diagnostic facilities, emergency medical response systems and critical care services,” Izibeya said.

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Representing Governor Douye Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, assured medical professionals that the administration would continue investing in healthcare infrastructure, technology and human resources to improve access to quality medical services across the state.

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According to him, the government has completed and equipped the 500-bed Bayelsa Medical University Teaching Hospital, established a haemodialysis and general outpatient centre, expanded the state health insurance scheme and partnered with Zipline to deliver vaccines and essential medicines to remote communities using drones.

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Akpe, however, admitted that retaining skilled health workers and improving healthcare delivery in riverine communities remained major challenges.

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“The government is prepared to receive constructive professional counsel that will strengthen reforms, improve standards, promote ethical leadership and expand equitable access to high-quality healthcare,” he said.

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Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, disclosed that the state government had approved improved welfare packages for healthcare workers as part of efforts to build a resilient healthcare system.

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He also appealed to doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, to suspend their ongoing strike, urging dialogue over industrial action.

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Former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John (retd.), called for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and advocated the deployment of artificial intelligence to support healthcare workers and reduce clinical workload without replacing medical professionals.

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Delivering a virtual keynote address, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, commended Bayelsa’s healthcare investments but stressed the need to ensure that quality medical services reach every resident, regardless of location.

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Similarly, the National Programme Manager of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, Dr Emuren Doubra, called for stronger emergency response and communication infrastructure to save more lives during medical emergencies.

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The conference, themed “Healthcare Leadership and Political Will: Catalyst for Reform, Global Competitiveness and Equitable Access,” brought together government officials, medical professionals and healthcare stakeholders to examine ways of strengthening healthcare delivery in Bayelsa State.

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