The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reassured that his administration will continue to prioritize the health and well being of all Edo people, ensuring the provision of quality health care services.
Obaseki gave the assurance when he received an “abridged report of the review of recommendations on the state’s healthcare sector reforms” from the Governor’s Health Advisory Team at the Government House, Benin City.
The governor said: “What the committee has done for us is very fundamental and far-reaching. The questions they have tried to help us answer, first, is what should be the role of government in the healthcare system? Should the government be a provider of healthcare services or a regulator of people in the healthcare system, or both?
“If the government is a provider, who regulates the government in its provision of healthcare services? Who pays for healthcare services? Does the government have all the money to pay or individuals through health insurance arrangements? Should it be compulsory? These are the fundamental questions existing today and we must try and find answers to these questions.
“Post-COVID-19, we are all trapped here as none can travel to get quality healthcare services and as such, we all should proffer solutions to these issues. We have to make our healthcare work for all of us. That is what this team is trying to make work for us. We are hoping that we can build a whole lot more consensus to help us provide a system that will help take care of Nigerians.”
On his part, Chairman of the health advisory team, Prof. Obehi Okojie, noted: “We are here to submit the report and recommendations in a bid to reposition the healthcare sector in Edo State for the good of the citizens of Edo State.
“The report addresses major areas that drive the healthcare sector in Edo State, the Ministry of Health, Health Management Board, State Health Insurance Scheme and the Primary Healthcare Development Agency. These are major pillars of reforming the healthcare system and when the pillars are standing well, the healthcare sector is good to go.”
