By Chris Nehikhare
Political differences notwithstanding, we expect the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Edo State to acknowledge the significant progress that Edo has made in the last 42 months.
There is still room for improvement no doubt, but Edo under Governor Obaseki has recorded tremendous gains. He has provided an enabling environment for Edo and her people to thrive! Sustainability is key.
We are shocked but not surprised that APC would continue to paint such an ugly picture, tissues of lies, of a state and government just to advance its comatose political fortunes. APC has refused to acknowledge progress even when it’s staring it in the face!
It is ironic and almost comical when we see headlines credited to APC “badmouthing” a government that has brought accountability, transparency and financial discipline to Edo State. The first government in decades that has been strategic in planning and execution of its project! A government that has dared all Edo State citizens not just to dream but to believe it’s achievable.
It is clear that the ‘we have a good story to tell’ series has further diminished the thought of a rebirthing of the near defunct but comatose APC in Edo State. The quality of the candidates they have put forward for the governorship elections has definitely exposed them as lacking in depth.
Even if they didn’t know before, now they are aware that in the health sector, we have introduced reforms in the healthcare system, ensuring our people have access to quality and affordable health services. The Neighborhood clinics have been renovated, equipped and staffed in all 192 wards across the state. Antenatal and delivery are free for pregnant women. The recent recruitment by the primary health agency onboarded over 300 trained health personnel to further enhance the capacity and capability of our neighborhood clinics.
We are building a new Stella Obasanjo Hospital. By expanding the number of beds from 200 to 500, this large-scale project improves patient care and makes it more effective and efficient. Modern amenities at the hospital include surgery suites and diagnostic technologies, as well as units dedicated to oncology, dialysis and critical care. It has the potential to become a centre for medical tourism.
The Out Patient Department, OPD, building is complete and fully equipped. The In-Patients wing will be ready for commissioning in a few weeks.
In preparation for the training of health care workers to service and fill up the spaces Government reforms throw up, Governor Obaseki reset, rebuilt and got accreditation for Edo State College of Nursing Sciences (EDOCNS) that today houses the best facilities, equipment and resources in Nigeria. It has a robust and all-encompassing curriculum consistent with the provisions of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, as well as other regulatory agencies. EDOCNS provides a transformative educational experience that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement.
EDOCNS produces nurses who are technically sound, professionally ethical, and morally admirable. Edo is set to regain its pride in the global health care space.
To compliment these reforms in the health sector, the School of Health Technology has also been reset, rebuilt and revamped!
The general hospital in Auchi has been upgraded and accredited to a teaching hospital of the Edo State University, Uzaiure, to facilitate the training of our young doctors.
In our efforts to drive the needed change in the healthcare system in Edo State, we have introduced the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme. EDOHIS is partnering with quality health service providers to deliver affordable and accessible health care to its enrollees. EDOHIS has a network of accredited facilities across the state that offer various services, from primary care to specialized care. As at today, EDOHIS has over 200,000 ( two hundred thousand) enrollees. 80% of Edo State pensioners have been onboarded to our Health Insurance scheme. We are putting smiles on the faces of our pensioners not inflicting pains.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has also boosted emergency response with the launch of the first phase of the emergency medical services in the State.
The emergency medical service provides toll free numbers of 112 and 739 linked to the Solomon Arase Command and Control Centre in the State to enable residents to get medical services within a space of ten minutes.
The Edo EMS emergency medical services number for prompt response to emergency health issues covers Oredo, Egor, and other selected parts of the State for the pilot phase of the programme. Over 200 Community-Based First Responders (CBFR) have been trained.
At this juncture, the public is advised to be wary of the Edo State APC anti-people rhetoric.
Governor Godwin Obaseki and PDP will continue to deliver on good and strategic governance!
Signed:
Chris Osa Nehikhare is the Edo State Hon. Commissioner for Communication and Orientation.
