One Year On: Commissioner for Health Hails Governor Okpebholo's Healthcare Initiatives

One Year On: Commissioner for Health Hails Governor Okpebholo's Healthcare Initiatives

Habiba Sam 

As the Commissioner for Health in Edo State, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, reflected on the past year in office of Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. "One year is very, very overwhelming," he said,

In a span of just one year, the governor's commitment to improving healthcare has yielded impressive results, showcasing a significant overhaul of the state's healthcare infrastructure.

highlighting the significant strides made in the health sector under Governor Monday Okpebholo's administration. With a record-breaking 61 primary healthcare centers commissioned in less than a year, the state's healthcare infrastructure has received a major boost.

The House Committee on Health Services from the National Assembly recently visited two primary healthcare centers in the state and was impressed with what they saw. 

"That is coming from the national assembly, not even state assembly, at least that alone,  is a credible comment you can take to the bank," Dr. Oshiomhole noted.

The administration has also launched the Oredo clinic to decongest the Central Hospital, and the Stella Obasanjo hospital is being renovated. A new agency for drug management and health commodities has been established, which will help manage the state's drug usage and value chain.

Dr. Oshiomhole emphasized the government's commitment to improving healthcare services in the state. The Edo Specialist Hospital, a major healthcare facility, has been equipped with modern equipment, including ICU facilities. 

The hospital has also benefited from the government's efforts to improve its infrastructure, including the installation of air conditioning units and transformers.

Despite the challenges, the hospital has maintained its services, even during the recent strike by resident doctors. 

"We are trying our best to meet up with demand," Dr. Oshiomhole said, adding that the government plans to expand the hospital and build a phase two, which will include a mortuary service.

The government has also taken steps to improve healthcare delivery in rural areas, including the provision of modern ultrasound machines for all 18 local government areas and the enrollment of 300 vulnerable individuals into the state's health insurance scheme.

Assessing the governor's administration achievement, Dr. Oshiomhole described it as "excellent." He cited the governor's commitment to food sufficiency, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development as notable achievements. 

The state has also received recognition for its efforts in food and nutrition, with the Nigerian Society of Food and Nutrition awarding Governor Okpebholo the best governor for food and nutrition.

The government has also made significant investments in agriculture, increasing the budget from N4 billion to N57 billion and acquiring 400 acres of land for agricultural purposes. 

With these initiatives, the government hopes to improve the lives of Edo citizens and make the state a model for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.