Edo State Governor Sen. Monday Okebholo has been urged to engage in collaborative efforts with federal government tertiary health institutions within the state to significantly improve healthcare delivery.
This partnership aims to share resources, expertise, and knowledge, addressing existing deficiencies in the state’s health system, particularly concerning workforce shortages.
The recommendation was presented by Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, a prominent health expert and Medical Director of the newly established National Orthopaedic Hospital Benin (NOHB), during a policy dialogue organized by Policy House, an international policy think-tank, in collaboration with the Edo State government as part of its initial 100 days in office.
“It is absolutely inconceivable that Edo State, with about 500 medical specialist personnel in the federal government tertiary health institutions, would be struggling to meet specialist manpower needs in the various general hospitals across the state,” Ugbodaga stated.
He expressed his hope that Governor Okebholo would initiate discussions with leaders of federal health institutions to develop a robust framework for collaboration.
“Specialist skills should be extended to the state government’s rural hospitals with incentives worked out for interested personnel,” he added.
Ugbodaga strongly believes that “overall, a collaborative effort between the Edo State government and federal government tertiary health institutions can lead to improved healthcare outcomes, increased access to healthcare services, and enhanced quality of life for residents in Edo State, ultimately supporting the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
As a former chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and ex-Medical Director of the state-owned Central Hospital in Benin City, Ugbodaga insists that dismantling barriers between federal, state, and local government healthcare services is essential. He advocates for effective collaboration across all three tiers of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
The policy dialogue saw participation from key stakeholders, including Barrister Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the Edo State Government; Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, Commissioner of Health; and Chief Taiwo Akerele, Executive Director of Policy House. Attendees also included policy experts, civil society leaders, and international advocates focused on patient safety, underscoring the event’s significance in prioritizing healthcare improvements in the state.
