The Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge SAN, has called on the Delta State Government to upgrade the Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) to a teaching hospital as a strategic step to help curb the ongoing brain drain in the medical sector.
Obi Azinge made the appeal during a visit to the hospital, part of his ongoing tour of healthcare facilities within his kingdom. He praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration for its efforts in improving the health sector, particularly the significant progress made at the Asaba Specialist Hospital.
He also commended the hospital’s management and staff for their dedication, noting that while many had valid reasons to leave the country, they chose to stay and continue contributing to the healthcare system locally and nationally.
“One of the main reasons for my visit today is to make a heartfelt appeal to the Delta State Government, and I trust the message will be well received. I’m urging the current administration to take the necessary steps to upgrade Asaba Specialist Hospital to a teaching hospital as soon as possible.”
“It will enhance staff capacity, create more job opportunities, and, most importantly, help retain personnel,” the monarch said. “Once the hospital becomes a teaching facility, university conditions—including extended retirement age—will automatically apply. That means we’ll be less likely to lose our top talent. This is the kind of progress we’re hoping to see.”
However, HRM Azinge acknowledged that upgrading the hospital would require legislative backing and the appropriate legal framework. He tasked Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, who represents the Oshimili South State Constituency, with helping to push the process forward.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of ASH, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Ighosewe, updated the monarch on the hospital’s achievements and ongoing challenges, and appealed for greater support and collaboration from the community.
Joining HRM Azinge on the visit, the representative of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Ngozi Okolie, praised Dr. Ighosewe for her dedication and pledged to collaborate with the hospital to help meet some of its pressing needs.
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