By: Adeyemi Elijah- benin.
Edo State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Edo State Primary Healthcare (PHC) Taskforce, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa has charged stakeholders and development partners to work closely with the government to consolidate and expand gains in primary healthcare delivery across the state.
He made the appeal while presiding over the enlarged first quarter meeting of the Edo State PHC Taskforce at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor said collaboration, accountability, effective implementation and innovation remain critical to building a resilient and responsive primary healthcare system that meets the needs of the people.
He urged stakeholders to intensify efforts towards delivering quality healthcare services, stressing that the success of the sector would be measured through improved health indicators across the state’s 18 local government areas.
According to him, reliable data on maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, and other key health indices would enable the government to evaluate the impact of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda on healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Idahosa noted that resolutions reached at the quarterly meeting would serve as a framework for assessing the effectiveness of government interventions in the health sector.
“The government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the provision of quality healthcare and other essential social services,” he said.
Describing the gathering as a demonstration of collective commitment to protecting the health of Edo residents, the deputy governor commended Governor Okpebholo for providing visionary leadership through the SHINE Agenda.
He said the administration’s healthcare reforms were anchored on improving access to quality and affordable services, expanding healthcare infrastructure and strengthening the workforce.
“Primary Healthcare is the first line of defence for our communities. It is through PHC that mothers and children are protected, immunisation coverage is expanded, disease surveillance is strengthened, and essential medicines reach those who need them most,” Idahosa stated.
He stressed that maternal and infant deaths from preventable causes must become a thing of the past in Edo State, calling on all stakeholders to align their efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals on universal health coverage and improved maternal and child health outcomes.
“The loss of mothers and children to preventable causes is unacceptable. These are urgent responsibilities that require our collective action,” he added.
Idahosa further disclosed that the state government would continue investing in the recruitment of more healthcare personnel and the expansion of health facilities to improve access to quality healthcare services across the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, said the Okpebholo administration had recorded notable progress in revitalising primary healthcare facilities, strengthening the health workforce, improving access to essential medicines and enhancing health data systems.
He, however, noted that challenges remained, including inadequate infrastructure, staffing, equipment, electricity and water supply in many primary healthcare centres.
“We must remain focused on measurable results—not just meetings and reports, but visible improvements that our people can experience,” the commissioner said.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Oahimire, highlighted the implementation strategies driving the state’s PHC programme and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare services.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman, Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Dr. Richard Edosa; Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu; and Chairman of the EDSPHCDA Board, Dr. Ehiabhi Odiase.
Others are local government chairmen, Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs), representatives of the Oba of Benin, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, UNICEF and other development partners.
A strategic review of community health programming was also presented by Dr. Idemudia Osayomore during the planning session.
