In a total commitment to revitalizing and upgrading Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) throughout the state, the Edo State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct 18 state-of-the-art Primary Health Care Facilities across the state on Monday.
Edo State Government signed the MoU with Aigbojie Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), under the supervision of Prof. Faith Osadolor, the Solicitor General of Edo State.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Osarodion Ogie Esq., signed the MoU on behalf of Edo State Government, while Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imokhuede and Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, signed for Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and the PSHAN respectively.
The collaboration is geared towards renovating and expanding the 18 primary healthcare facilities across the state to Level Three Primary Healthcare Centres.
In his remarks, Mr. Osarodion Ogie (Esq.) said, “The MoU signing was the beginning of greater things to come for primary healthcare, as the construction of 18 facilities would improve the quality of care at the facilities.”
Ogie further noted that the agreement would boost the state government’s initiative to build one primary healthcare facility in 192 wards across the state.
The SSG stated that the ongoing rebuilding of the School of Health Technology by Edo State Government would provide the needed manpower for the Primary Healthcare Centres in the state.
He urged them to go on a tour of some of the newly renovated facilities and the School of Health Technology to have a feel of the quality of work ongoing.
While speaking at the event, Dr. Samuel Alli, the Edo State Honorable Commissioner for Health, expressed gratitude to the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation and PSHAN for meticulously selecting the 18 PHCs earmarked for construction. He highlighted the symbolic nature of the signing, symbolizing a collective commitment to revitalizing and upgrading PHCs throughout Edo.
Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), recognized and appreciated Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki’s unwavering support and visionary approach, noting that the Governor’s dedication has laid the groundwork for a new era in primary healthcare in Edo State.
Dr Omosigho Izedonmwen also expressed gratitude to the team for their generosity and commitment to the cause, adding, “Your willingness to partner with Edo reflects a shared vision of a healthier tomorrow.”
Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation provided an insightful overview of the foundation which she stated was established to improve the lives of people through transformed public service delivery and increased access to quality primary healthcare.
Ofovwe Aig-lmoukhuede said the Foundation would commit N2.3 billion over five years, with N1.8 billion earmarked for renovating selected PHCs in Edo State.
Mrs. Aig-Imoukhuede added that as a foundation, they intend to construct 23 PHCs in Nigeria, with 18 PHCs designated for Edo State. This public-private partnership intervention holds significant potential for fortifying the health system and addressing existing gaps.
Adding to the discourse, Mrs. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the Managing Director/CEO of PSHAN, emphasized the necessity of having a model PHC in each of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State. This, she asserted, would create a tangible impact at the grassroots level, providing perpetual technical support. Drawing on PSHAN’s successful engagements in states like Rivers, Delta, and Bauchi, Mrs. Akinbolagbe stressed the importance of a collaborative effort in Edo State, leveraging public-private partnerships to implement the planned renovation of the PHCs successfully.
The MD of PSHAN affirmed that pilot PHCs for construction include Atoruru PHC in Sabongida Ora LGA, Idunmungha PHC in Uhunmwode LGA, Uteh PHC in Iwogban, and Evbuodia PHC in Oredo LGA.
Led by the Edo State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, and the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen, the guests visited the newly renovated Aruogba PHC in Oredo LGA, where they were taken on a guided tour of the facility by the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Igbinobaro, and the Head Nurse in charge of the facility, Mrs. Flora. They later proceeded to the School of Health Technology, Sapele Road, where construction work is underway.
