The Edo State government is intensifying its focus on primary healthcare, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness, robust monitoring of Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities, and stronger community engagement.
Dr. Andrew Iyamu, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Health, reiterated this commitment at a recent town hall meeting organized by the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in Benin City.
Dr. Iyamu highlighted a critical issue: many Edo residents are unaware of the free drugs and services available at PHCs. He emphasized that Governor Okpebholo has personally directed him to inspect healthcare centers throughout the state. These visits revealed significant challenges, including staffing shortages and inadequate emergency response systems.
A key concern raised by Dr. Iyamu was the reliance on poorly equipped private clinics. He cautioned against seeking treatment at facilities where a single medical officer handles multiple specialties without sufficient expertise.
He noted that many complicated cases are poorly managed in these settings, leading to delayed and often critical referrals to tertiary healthcare facilities. Investigations revealed that numerous terminal cases referred to tertiary hospitals had previously received inadequate treatment at private clinics.
Recognizing that the government cannot solely bear the healthcare burden, Dr. Iyamu called for collaborative partnerships with private individuals, NGOs, foundations, and Nigerians in the diaspora. He urged these stakeholders to join forces in revitalizing healthcare facilities across Edo communities. The Edo government is actively renovating primary healthcare centers and equipping them with facilities for persons living with diabetes, including ramps for persons with disabilities.
Dr. Iyamu also noted that several organizations and philanthropists have already contributed equipment and supported upgrades, and discussions are ongoing with additional foundations and private stakeholders to further enhance healthcare delivery statewide.
Dr. Coulson Oahimire, Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, emphasized that the town hall meeting was a citizen-centered initiative designed to promote primary healthcare through collaboration between government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community members. The meeting provides a platform for stakeholders and community members to directly interact with healthcare authorities, express their expectations, commend achievements, and raise concerns affecting healthcare delivery.
Dr. Oahimire stressed that healthcare is a shared responsibility, urging greater community participation to improve service delivery, accountability, and trust in the primary healthcare system. Mrs. Irene Uabor, the agency’s Health Educator, echoed this sentiment, encouraging residents to provide feedback and commendations to improve healthcare services.
She highlighted that many residents mistakenly believe that health centers are solely for immunization and pregnant women. She urged stakeholders to spread awareness that treatment and healthcare services are available for everyone.
Participants at the meeting commended the initiative as an important step towards grassroots engagement. They emphasized the need to strengthen grassroots healthcare services through increased awareness and the inclusion of women, youths, persons living with disabilities, and community leaders in healthcare decision-making processes.
The “Citizen-Centred Primary Healthcare Services” initiative aims to enhance healthcare access, reduce suffering, and foster stronger community participation across Edo State, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
