The Edo State government, AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation and Private Health Sector Alliance of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to revitalize Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the state.
The tripartite agreement was for the revitalization and provision of technical support for selected 18 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
The Vice Chairman Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, said the signing of the agreement signified the sheer commitment by all the parties to ensure improved healthcare outcomes for Edo State.
“So there is no disputing the fact that our country’s health system is fraught with many challenges including poor health infrastructure, shortage of manpower and weak system.
“Research shows that 85 percent of primary healthcare centres in the country constitute all the clinics and hospitals only 20 of them are functioning, and it is evident that there is a huge gap and it is also evident that the people in the grassroots are in desperate need of intervention.
“It is clear that the government cannot do it all, public private partnership (PPP) is the way forward. We are adopting a total of 23 Primary Healthcare Centres in Nigeria, 18 of which are in Edo State, and the first one is going to be in Sabogida-Ora, which is our home here in Edo State,” Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede said.
Also, according to the MD/CEO, Private Health Sector Alliance of Nigeria, PHSAN, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the essence of the agreement is to address specific healthcare challenges in Edo State.
“The Adopt-A- Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP) is a strategic initiative aimed at revitalizing and establishing standard Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across Nigeria. In the context of Edo State, the programme focuses on the vital objective of refurbishing PHCs to address specific healthcare challenges in the state.
“The ADHFP aims to create a tangible, positive impact, acknowledging the unique needs of Edo State by enhancing infrastructure, resources, and capabilities at the grassroots level.
“18 Primary Healthcare Centres were carefully selected based on criteria such as the availability of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, water and power supply, medical staff presence, and building conditions among others.
“The initial stage PHCs for revitalization includes Atoruru PHC in Sabongida-Ora, Evbuodia PHC in Oredo, Uteh PHC in Iwogban, and Idunmungha PHC in Uhunmwode. These PHCs were chosen based on compliance with outlined criteria, ensuring that adopted facilities align with the program’s mission of providing support to those in dire need,” Dr. Tinuola explained.
The Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq, expressed confidence that the initiative and agreement would impact significantly on primary healthcare system in Edo State.
He enjoined the Foundations to visit the Edo State School of Health Technology with a view to helping in training manpower.
“I am happy that our brother decided to start from his home, charity begins at home. To find a Foundation ready to assist government put the health centres to use is what all of us is excited about,” the SSG said.
The Secretary to Edo State Government signed for the state government while the Vice Chairman of AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, and MD/CEO, PHSAN, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, also signed, respectively.
The ceremony, held at the SSG Conference Hall, State House, Benin City, was witnessed by some other functionaries of both parties.
