….. Why We Built Hemodialysis Centre—Bayelsa Gov
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate, has praised Governor Douye Diri for prioritising the health of Bayelsans.
Prof. Ali-Pate gave the commendation on Tuesday while inaugurating the newly established Haemodialysis and General Out-Patient Centre at the 500-bed hospital within the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU), Yenagoa, as part of activities marking Governor Diri’s fifth anniversary in office.
According to a press release on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the facility was established to address non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and kidney failure.
The Health and Social Welfare Minister noted that tackling a major health issue like non-communicable disease in Nigeria was a strong statement of commitment by the governor as it touches the lives of millions of people.
He said what the Bayelsa State government was doing in the health sector was in line with the federal government’s health policy, where states invest their resources and the federal government complements that to address the needs of the people.
Prof. Ali-Pate equally commended Governor Diri for appointing a seasoned health professional as Commissioner for Health, saying Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe’s performance made the federal ministry seek his services at the national level.
Governor Douye Diri, in his remarks, said his government broke the jinx by equipping the 500-bed hospital with state-of-the-art facilities and inaugurating the Haemodialysis and General Outpatient Centre.
He said the centre was conceived due to the death of his mother in 2013 from renal failure and that he desired to have such a facility to treat those with similar health conditions.
The governor acknowledged the immediate past governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who donated N500 million to the Bayelsa Medical University, noting that the fund had been judiciously used.
He stressed that his administration does not play politics with development, as the facility will not only serve Bayelsa but also other neighbouring states that have students in the university.
His words “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.
“I was very happy when the medical university authorities approached me about this haemodialysis centre. Without wasting time, I approved it. I already had an inner desire for this haemodialysis centre.
“Let me appreciate the former governor of Rivers State and current honourable minister of the FCT. I do not play politics with development, and whoever assisted us, we will always acknowledge and recognise you publicly.”
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, said the centre was a leap forward in renal care and an active drive towards universal access to healthcare.
Prof. Brisibe stressed that inaugurating the centre was a defining moment in the state government’s efforts to address the growing burden of kidney disease in the country and Bayelsa.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Health Minister also inaugurated the Zipline Aerial Logistics Delivery System complex and an 800-metre concrete access road at Elebele.
Present at the events were the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayaowei, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State, Chief Solomon Agwana, as well as top government functionaries.
