The Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) held a three-day workshop to develop operational guidelines for Primary Healthcare in Edo.
The primary aim of the workshop, which was held at Limoh Hotel and Suites, GRA, Benin City, was to comprehensively develop the procedures and guidelines, reach a consensus on the roles and responsibilities of the EDSPHCDA Directorate, review the roles and responsibilities of the technical working group, create implementation plans, and agree on the next steps.
Diverse participants convened for this event, including, EDSPHCDA Directors, Deputy Directors, Consultants and Zonal Coordinators, each representing one of the three senatorial districts: Edo North, Edo South, and Edo Central.
EDSPHCDA also received substantial support from its esteemed technical partners, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (MRITE), the Carter Center, USAID Data For Implementation (USAID Data FI) who also provided their invaluable insights.
Furthermore, this collaborative effort garnered participation from representatives from the Local Government Commission, and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).
In his address, the Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen accentuated the need for participants to contribute their expert perspectives in the development of the operational guideline, ensuring that the guidelines would comprehensively address all facets of primary healthcare.
Dr. Izedonmwen expressed confidence that, as a result of the workshop, Edo State’s Operational Guidelines for Primary Health would become a cornerstone document for guidance. “This invaluable resource would serve as a reference point for healthcare practitioners and stakeholders in the years to come”. He concluded.
Guiding the workshop with finesse, Hajia Khadijat Ishola the facilitator from NPHCDA divided the participants into smaller groups, entrusting them with specific sections of the guidelines. Their mission was to collaboratively refine these sections and, subsequently, present and defend their shared insights.
The significance of jointly developing the operational guideline with expert stakeholders cannot be understated, as it paves the way for a well-crafted operational guideline for primary healthcare. This document will serve as the guiding compass for healthcare professionals and a crucial reference for healthcare management.
Through the unified efforts of all stakeholders and the expert guidance provided by the NPHCDA during this workshop, Edo State demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the delivery of primary healthcare, ensuring that it maintains the highest standards and remains accessible to all.
