By John Ewah
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated the state government’s stance on integrated healthcare system in the state. The Governor made this assertion while receiving the newly appointed Acting Medical Director of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Benin, Prof Sunday Adeoye, and the Acting Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin, Prof. Alfred Ogbemudia, who were at the Edo State Government House on a courtesy visit to the Governor.
Addressing the newly appointed MDs, Obaseki expressed the state government’s willingness to collaborate with them and the federal government for a smooth take-off and running of the centres.
According to Obaseki, “First, let me congratulate Prof. Adeoye, who is now the Acting Director, National Obstetric Fistula Hospital Benin, and Prof. Ogbemudia, who has been appointed as the Acting Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Edo State. I want to congratulate you on your appointments, and to assure you that the Edo State Government is prepared to work with you and the federal government to see to it that we have very quick and smooth take-off of these two institutions.
“As you are aware, we have completed the design of a whole medical city, off Sapele Road, where specializations like yours; fistula hospital, orthopaedic hospital, cancer and paediatric hospitals and so on, could be co-located if that is the desire of the federal government.”
Speaking on the integrated healthcare approach of the state, Obaseki harped on the need for constant interactions by the various aspects of the healthcare system in the state and a proper financing structure through the state health insurance programme, to enable seamless access to quality healthcare by residents in the state.
Obaseki said: “We want to welcome you and to let you know that our approach to healthcare in Edo is an integrated one; integrated from the standpoint of having the various aspects of the healthcare system interact with each other; from the primary healthcare structure through centralized healthcare records system that will seek referrals to institutions like yours.
“These will also be tied to a financing arrangement with our Edo State health insurance programme, so that people can pay for these expensive services or cares which we will be offering. So we look forward to you working with the Ministry of Health in the next few weeks, on a take-off plan for both institutions.”
Governor Obaseki also appreciated the former President, Muhamadu Buhari, and the former Minister for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, for their kind gestures in support of the state’s health care system. “Finally, let me thank the federal government, particularly the outgone Minister for Health, and the former President, for these very kind initiative and gesture which they have done to the people of Edo State. I wish them luck in their future endeavours, and assure them that history and posterity will remember them for this gesture. Thank you”, Obaseki said.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the two Medical Directors, Prof. Adeoye expressed appreciation to the Governor for the opportunity, as both MDs officially presented their appointment letters to the Governor.
According to Adeoye, “We are most delighted to have this opportunity sir, to present our letters of appointment to you. Last week, I was given an appointment letter by the Honorable Minister of Health, as Acting Medical Director, National Obstetric Fistula Centre Benin; and my colleague here, Prof. Alfred Ogbemudia also received his letter of appointment as Acting Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Centre Benin. And we are indeed most grateful sir for this opportunity to present our letters of appointment to you.”
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