February 11, (THEWILL) – The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate, has lauded Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for prioritizing healthcare, particularly in tackling non-communicable diseases in the state.
Ali-Pate gave the commendation on Tuesday while inaugurating the newly established Hemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre at the 500-bed hospital within the Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa.
The inauguration was part of activities marking Diri’s fifth anniversary in office.
The minister described the facility as a significant intervention in addressing ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and kidney failure, adding that it aligns with the Federal Government’s health policy, which encourages state-level investment with federal support to enhance healthcare delivery.
He also commended Diri for appointing a seasoned health professional, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, as Commissioner for Health, noting that his expertise had been recognized even at the national level.
Speaking at the event, the governor said his administration broke the jinx by equipping the 500-bed hospital with state-of-the-art facilities and establishing the Hemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre.
He revealed that his personal experience motivated the project, stating that his mother died of renal failure in 2013, which fueled his desire to provide treatment for those battling similar conditions.
The governor acknowledged the contribution of the former Rivers State governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who donated N500 million to the Bayelsa Medical University, stressing that the funds were judiciously utilized.
“I feel very fulfilled that our people will no longer die of renal failure. I feel fulfilled that we can now offer these services to Bayelsans and Nigerians,” Diri stated.
He added, “I do not play politics with development, and whoever assists us, we will always acknowledge them publicly.”
In his remarks, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, described the new facility as a major step in improving renal care and advancing universal access to healthcare.
According to him, the project marks a defining moment in the state government’s efforts to combat the rising cases of kidney disease in Bayelsa and Nigeria at large.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Prof. Ali-Pate also inaugurated the Zipline Aerial Logistics Delivery System complex and an 800-metre concrete access road at Elebele.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
