Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has disclosed plans by the state to begin free medical healthcare services for the elderly while also promoting medical tourism through the development of its state-of-the art health facilities.

“We have improved on the health facilities in the state because this is a medical government and have brought medical knowledge into the planning for the health of the people.

The free health care for the elderly is for those from 70 years and above. We believe our people deserve quality health care,” he said.

Uduaghan who disclosed this at the 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian national section of the International College of Surgeons in Warri, said his administration’s three-point agenda revolved round the development of human beings, especially in the health sector and health programmes.

The governor disclosed that his administration has decided to transform the state into a medical tourist state, where people within and outside the country would come for quality medical treatment.

He disclosed that his government would soon commission the world class University Teaching Hospital at Oghara in Ethiope West local government area of the state.

To achieve this aim, the governor said his administration has acquired modern medical facilities, constructed good road network, provided an independent power plant and also employed medical expatriates for the smooth take-off of the teaching hospital.