Michael Osarunwese, a public health consultant, has hailed the Godwin Obaseki-led government in Edo for carrying out reforms in the state’s healthcare sector.
According to him, the reforms have improved the resilience of the health system and enhanced responses to health crises and medical deliverables in the state.
”One of the key focuses has been on primary and secondary healthcare, with efforts to strengthen infrastructure and workforce.
”The Edo State health sector is striking the right notes as the government and other critical stakeholders undertake various health sector reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery,” he stated.
He further said the Edo State Health Improvement Program (EDOHIP) was launched in 2019 with a strategic plan to enhance primary healthcare, provide specialized care, ensure sustainable healthcare financing, and improve the education of the health workforce.
His words: ”As part of this program, 46 Primary Healthcare Centers were rehabilitated, 700 new healthcare workers were recruited, and 2100 workers were trained in core competencies.
”Additionally, the state has implemented electronic health records and established public-private partnerships to reduce drug stock-outs.
”The primary health care system, which is the first of contact as a result of proximity to the people received very significant government presence in terms of infrastructural uplift, service providers, improved medical facilities and equipment, and better welfare packages.
”In terms of secondary healthcare, the Edo Specialist Hospital and the new Stella Obasanjo Hospital have been established to provide specialized care and position Edo State as a regional hub for healthcare services, especially in the South-South.
”It is worthy of mention that upgrading and building new specialized healthcare facilities to ensure better access to quality healthcare services in the state is quite impressive.
”As of today, the Edo state secondary healthcare system can comfortably carry out some medical procedures that in the past seemed near impossible or difficult to attempt.”
He stated that to address healthcare financing, the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS) has been instrumental in enrolling 250,000 residents, with a focus on vulnerable people.
He commended the Obaseki-led government for approving N1 billion for the provision of free health insurance for pensioners in the state in December 2023.
He added that the integration of digital health technologies has created a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, enabling efficient referral and claims processes and modernizing health records in the state.
