In line with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s MEGA agenda on institutional reform, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency(EDSPHCDA) has organized a five-days training on competency and capacity building for health personnel across LGAs to render quality healthcare services within the state.

The training which took place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) featured lots of activities as participants were taken through various modules.

The training was declared opened by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki who was represented by the Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Anthony O. Okungbowa.

In his opening address, the Governor reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality health care services for Edo people irrespective of their social status as all Edo citizens are eligible for efficient and quality health care services.

Speaking at the training, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria admonished participants to harness potentials from the training and be more skilled in the discharge of their duties as they report back at their respective PHCs.

The Commissioner affirmed that the state government has put in so much in making sure that PHCs across the state are upgraded to standard, with professionals who are skillful, hence the competency training.

Giving the opening remarks, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen emphasized that the objective of the training is to upscale the relevant skills, knowledge and behaviours required for high performance to effectively contribute to the success of Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency in achieving its vision and aspirations.

Dr. Izedonmwen added that it is expected that at the end of the training, participants would be able to understand and deepen their organizational skills, knowledge and attitude needed for high performance; as well as their financial management skills and abilities for effective management of financial resources for greater organizational success.

The Executive Secretary thereafter unveiled the “Edo Starter Pack” which contains basic items for post delivery.

According to him, the pack would be given free of charge to mothers who gives birth at Edo PHCs as a way of encouragement for more patronage.

Participants were taken through various modules which include; The Edo State Public Service rules and regulations, Personal and Professional effectiveness, Computer Appreciation and the use of ECLAT, Branding, competency-based training on public health, competency-based training for Medical Officers, Health Safety and Environment, Pharmacist and Pharm. Tech, Nurses and Midwives, Medical lab. Scientist and lab.tech, Medical Record Officers, Community Health Extension Workers and the Agency’s Administrative and PRS staff.

Some of the facilitators who took the participants through various courses includes, Prof. Antoinette Ofili (Consultant Community Physician/Prof. Public Health and Community Medicine, UBTH); Prof. Alphonsus Isara (Prof. Community Medicine and Public Health UNIBEN); Dr. Olumuyiwa Oluday (Principal Consultant, Leadgate Consultancy); Mrs. Bose Igbinobaro (PS Deputy Governor’s Office); Mrs. Cordelia Irobomelu Ezimokhai (Principal, School of Community Health UBTH) and Dr. Rock Amegor (EDOHIS) amongst others.

In the course of the training, participants were taught to treat patients with respect, as patients self-esteem could improve when they are treated with such respect.

Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Margaret Ekiuwa, who was one of the participants said that the training aims to broaden the knowledge of health workers to be more effective in the discharge of their duties.

She said that her take home from the training is to increase the quality of care she renders as a health worker and to build the gap of inequality in status and agenda, adding that, both the rich and the poor deserve’s quality health care service.

The climax of the training was the practical section when participants were split into groups for competency evaluation to test the level of understanding and capability of participants.