The Association of the Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Delta chapter has called on the state government to establish Molecular Laboratories and training of manpower to improve health service delivery.

The Association made the call at it’s Board meeting held on Monday in Warri.

Mr Paul Akporowho, Chairman, APBN, Delta chapter who presided over the gathering said the meeting was aimed at X-raying the various sectors of the state government and give suggestions.

Akporowho commended the infrastructure-drive of the government including it’s effort in tackling the global COVID-19 pandemic.

He noted that the call to establish more Molecular laboratories and training of indigenous manpower would enable the state to be able to handle any emerging or re-emerging public health emergencies.

“APBN wish to commend the state government on the various measures put in place to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic including the emergency mobile Molecular laboratory at Asaba Specialist Hospital.

“APBN views this as a temporary measure and therefore call for the establishment of at least three State-owned functional Moleculer laboratories and training of indigenous manpower that will out-live the pandemic.

“And prepare the State to handle any emerging or re-emerging public health emergencies,” he said.

Akporowho also commended the state government for approving the recruitment of about forty Pharmacists and urged it to holistically address the shortage of health workers across board.

He applauded the award of ongoing construction and rehabilitation projects across the state but, however, expressed dismay at the poor quality in project delivery and poor workmanship that characterised most of the projects.

“APBN calls on the state government to patronise indigenous and qualified professionals in the built environment and construction industry in project planning, conceptualisation, design, supervision, monitoring and certification.

“The process of project award should be transparent, inclusive and competitive to ensure value for money, accountability and quality service delivery,” he said.

Akporowho also urged the state government to revisit the abandoned Geographical Information System project initiated by former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori.

“The project otherwise known as the Digitalisation of Land Administration and Management Scheme has the potential of significantly improving the ease of doing business and also blocking of revenue leakages,” he said.

The meeting was attended by
the Executive Council of the association in conjunction with member bodies represented by their respective Chairmen and Secretaries.