With the aim of showcasing 2023 achievements of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), key players in the Primary Healthcare space gathered for Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at the Eterno Hotel, Benin City.
The gathering also served as a platform to share success stories, present data & statistics illustrating improved health outcomes & discuss challenges encountered in the pursuit of set objectives.
As the meeting unfolded, the Edo State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, extended a warm welcome to all stakeholders present.
Dr. Alli acknowledged that, “While we have made significant progress in 2023, the journey to achieving the desired standards in PHC delivery is still ongoing.”
He therefore appealed to the attendees to actively share their insights, assuring them that their views would be thoroughly considered for implementation or review. The overarching goal, he emphasized, is to continually enhance the quality of healthcare delivery services in Edo State.
In his address the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Omosigho Izedonmwen debunked misconceptions surrounding Primary Healthcare, maintaining that it is not solely for the poor or limited to immunization. Primary healthcare, he highlighted, is a crucial point of contact that caters to individuals’ basic health needs throughout their life journey.
Dr. Izedonmwen outlined the Agency’s vision for a healthcare system that knows each individual, addressing health challenges associated with age through personalized notifications. The focus is on proactive health management, preventing diseases before they manifest.
Discussions during the meeting delved into the progress and challenges of primary healthcare in Edo. Concerns were raised about the renovation of primary health centers, with some Ward Development Commitees (WDCs) expressing dissatisfaction with contractor communication.
However, the overall sentiment was positive, with the WDCs appreciating the Governor’s commitment to progress in Primary Health Care.
Immunization uptake was a crucial topic, with Edo State WHO State Coordinator, Mrs. Nora Eyo, urging WDCs to collaborate effectively with healthcare workers to boost coverage.
Pastor Felix Enehizena, WDC Chairman for Evbuotubu, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s intervention in their community, constructing PHC in Evbuotubu. He commended the Honourable Commissioner for Health and the Executive Secretary for their dedication in ensuring Primary Health Care in Edo is successful, while emphasizing the WDCs’ commitment to taking ownership and improving their community’s welfare.
