The health sector in Edo state is currently experiencing a silent revolution, which is positively impacting the lives of those who were previously sidelined, marginalized, and underserved. If it is true that health and wealth are intertwined, then a government that is devoted to providing top-notch medical care services to the marginalized is undoubtedly dedicated to bequeathing prosperity in the form of sound health to its people. There is a plethora of lessons other states in Nigeria can learn from the successes recorded in Edo state.
Behold the Edo State Primary Health Care System, a marvel of transformation and innovation, standing tall as a beacon of hope for other states to emulate. The diligent efforts of the astute Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration to deliver inclusive, equitable, and cost-effective healthcare services to the people of the state have borne fruit beyond measure. Through the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, a strategic implementation of progressive reforms in successive layers is taking place, with a focus on the careful execution of one task at a time. This methodical approach positions the state in an advantageous position to provide exemplary healthcare services to the diverse communities scattered across the three senatorial zones.
Realizing that lack of access to quality healthcare in various communities has been a major obstacle in health reforms, the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki has made significant investments and achieved remarkable transformation, attaining international standards of excellence, and providing top-notch healthcare services to the people of the state. The Primary Health Care Development Agency of the state has deployed qualified healthcare workers to several health centers, ensuring that residents in rural areas have access to premium healthcare services across the state.
No healthcare system can thrive without a dedicated workforce of highly qualified personnel, and the Edo State Government has taken this to heart. The government has been investing copiously in building the capacity of its healthcare workers, a remarkable feat worthy of commendation. Recently, the state embarked on an ambitious plan to train over 300 Primary Health Care (PHC) personnel, both clinically and non-clinically, to enhance their skills and capabilities in delivering top-notch medical services.
Furthermore, the government‘s unwavering commitment to capacity-building is evident in the selection of 55 PHCs for a massive overhaul, a bold move that shows the government‘s determination to bring the state‘s healthcare infrastructure to international standards of excellence. The first 12 of these PHCs are set to be unveiled by the end of June, a significant milestone that will boost the morale of healthcare workers and instill confidence in the populace.
Such lofty goals are indeed achievable, thanks to the hiring of over 700 medical professionals, who will work alongside the existing workforce to fortify the state‘s PHC infrastructure. These medical professionals, armed with the latest medical knowledge and cutting-edge technology, will undoubtedly bring positive change to the healthcare system in Edo State and make quality medical care accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.
In a compelling address to journalists at the Edo State Secretariat Complex in Benin City, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Omosigho Izedonmwen, announced the recruitment of a staggering 720 qualified professionals. The impressive selection spans the gamut of the staffing crew, encompassing doctors, nurses, community extension workers, and administrators, among others.
Emphasizing the vital role of technology in the primary healthcare development agency, Izedonmwen highlighted the importance of computer literacy in the recruitment process. „As part of the criteria, they must be computer literate because the primary healthcare development agency will be driven by technology,“ he said. He also noted that successful candidates would proceed to an oral interview in one week‘s time and would be placed within three weeks.
Indeed, the Edo State Primary Health Care System is a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership. It stands as a paragon of excellence, delivering quality health care services to its residents and championing universal health coverage with unwavering zeal, the man behind the strides, Dr Omosigho Izedonmwen , the Executive Secretary is leading the way as many states in Nigeria have a lot to learn from the Edo’s template.
