The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) recently concluded a comprehensive medical staff verification exercise spanning all three senatorial districts within the state.
The initiative, conducted between February 9th and February 13th, 2026, aimed to meticulously examine the credentials and professional qualifications of healthcare workers operating within the primary healthcare system.
The verification process encompassed a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals, including medical laboratory scientists and technicians, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, medical records officers and technicians, as well as junior community health extension workers, community health technicians, and community health workers.
Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, was represented by Mrs. Priscilla Ekoh, the functioning Director of Administration and Supplies, who oversaw the Edo South verification alongside Mr. Segun Bello, Administrative Officer.
Dr. Osoikhia stated that the primary objective of the exercise was to authenticate staff certifications, encourage the timely renewal of professional licenses, and ultimately ensure that only duly qualified personnel are entrusted with delivering essential healthcare services at primary healthcare facilities.
According to Dr. Osoikhia, this verification exercise forms a crucial component of the Agency’s ongoing strategy to combat quackery and reinforce professionalism within the state’s primary healthcare sector.
The Edo South verification took place on February 9th, 2026, at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City. In Edo Central, the exercise was held on February 11th, 2026, at the Irrua Secretariat, with Dr. Austin Okosun, the Medical Officer of Health for Esan Central, providing crucial support.
The Edo North verification was conducted on February 13th, 2026, at the Auchi Secretariat, under the guidance of Dr. Paul Isebeme, the Medical Officer of Health for Etsako West.
The verification exercise saw participation from key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (NACHPN), the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, and Pharmacist Valentine Eruaga, the Edo State Director of Essential Drugs and Logistics.
Officials from the Department of State Security Services were also present to ensure security throughout the verification sessions. The EDSPHCDA views this exercise as a vital step in maintaining the integrity and quality of healthcare services provided to the citizens of Edo State.
