The Delta State Government has commended the management of Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) for prioritising the welfare of its workforce through its annual comprehensive health screening programme for staff.
The commendation was given yesterday during the hospital’s 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work event, where the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, praised the institution for its commitment to quality healthcare delivery and staff wellbeing.Speaking as a special guest at the occasion, Aniagwu said Asaba Specialist Hospital had distinguished itself as one of the leading health institutions in the state through dedication, professionalism and consistent service delivery.
According to him, the true measure of any hospital lies not in its signposts or physical appearance, but in the quality of service it provides to patients.
He likened the situation to that of a restaurant, noting that no matter how attractive a billboard or advertisement may be, the real judgment comes from the experience of the customer.
According to him; “The difference between a hospital, a good hospital and even a good restaurant is not in the signpost, but in the service you render,” “When people come and receive quality treatment, when they recover well, and when they are attended to with care, that is what markets the institution to the outside world.”
Aniagwu said ASH had over the past three years, made conscious efforts to remain among the best hospitals in Delta State, adding that one of the most noticeable features of the institution is its clean environment, which continues to impress visitors.
He also commended the hospital’s staff for their dedication to duty, especially in a period when industrial actions have affected service delivery in some other hospitals.
“Even when we hear of strikes in other hospitals, the workers here continue to put in their best in rendering services to the people because of their commitment to public welfare,” he said.
The commissioner further described the staff health check programme as a strong example of human resource motivation, saying it shows that the hospital management understands the importance of maintaining a healthy workforce.
He noted that while salaries are important, deliberate efforts by management to ensure workers are physically and mentally fit can be even more meaningful.
“For the management to realise that staff need a healthy body and a healthy mind in order to render effective service is something very important and should not be taken for granted,” he said.
Aniagwu praised the Chief Medical Director and the management team for placing high value on the hospital’s workforce, stressing that no hospital can function effectively without its health personnel.
“A hospital cannot be a hospital without health workers; otherwise, it would simply be a hostel,” he said. “Government may provide the building and the equipment, but it is the personnel who make the difference through the services they render.”
He said the Delta State Government was proud of the achievements of the hospital and called on other health institutions in the state to emulate the patriotism, commitment and professional culture demonstrated at ASH.
In her address, the Chief Medical Director of Asaba Specialist Hospital, Dr. Peace Ighosewe, said the annual free medical check-up for staff was introduced by the hospital management as part of efforts to promote preventive healthcare among workers.
She explained that the initiative was born out of growing concern over cases where health workers, despite operating within medical environments, often neglect their own health until serious complications arise.
“The free annual health check for staff is an initiative management introduced because we have seen people working in the health sector carrying out their duties and then suddenly collapsing or dying without knowing they had heart conditions or other illnesses,” she said.
Dr. Ighosewe said this year’s screening covers a wide range of services, including lipid profile, liver function tests, prostate-specific antigen screening, hormonal assays, eye examinations, dental checks and mental health consultation.
She added that subsidised glasses were also being provided for workers with vision challenges.
According to her, the programme is intended to ensure that staff members take advantage of the same health services available to patients and are encouraged to undertake annual medical examinations.
“There is a need for everyone to have an annual health check because many health workers tend to neglect their own health, even when they are enrolled in free health insurance schemes,” she said.
The CMD noted that the hospital has continued to expand the scope of the programme over time. She recalled that eye screening was added to the initiative last year, with more than 100 staff members benefiting from highly subsidised eyeglasses, while dental checks were also provided.
She said the 2026 edition now includes mental health consultation, which she described as a crucial addition given the growing but often ignored burden of emotional and psychological stress among workers.
“Mental health is something many people tend to avoid,” she said. “People do not want to know whether they have depression or other related conditions. Many just assume they are fine and continue, but some of these issues require talking to someone and getting psychosocial support to help manage stress and daily pressures.”
Dr. Ighosewe urged staff members who may be struggling emotionally or mentally not to be ashamed to seek help.
“It is not just about financial pressure,” she said. “You may be stressed, overwhelmed, or facing something else entirely. You may need counselling or medication. Mental health is not something we should be ashamed of. We should come forward and seek the help we need.”
She commended the workers of the hospital for their sacrifice, dedication and professionalism, saying the successes recorded by the institution are largely the result of their compassion for patients and resilience, even under challenging conditions.
Dr. Ighosewe also said the initiative aligns with the Delta State Government’s MORE Agenda, which is focused on delivering value to the people while protecting the workforce that drives public service delivery.
As part of the programme, a health talk was delivered by Dr. Urenna Obodoagha, a Consultant Family Physician, who spoke on the effects of stress on health workers and the need for personal commitment in stress management.
Dr. Obodoagha warned that stress can significantly reduce workers’ efficiency and negatively affect patient care.
“Due to stress, you may not be able to perform your duty efficiently. Your patient care will be affected and the quality of your work will be reduced,” she said.
She advised workers to take deliberate steps to reduce unnecessary stressors, adjust their mindset and expectations, focus on things within their control and set realistic daily goals.
“You are the only person who can truly manage your stress,” she said. “If you are not committed in your heart, it will not work.”
Some of the beneficiaries of the programme expressed appreciation to the hospital management for the initiative. Several staff members said they benefited from free medical tests, while others reported receiving free eyeglasses, medication and treatment support for various health conditions identified during the screening.