Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, has commended the state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki in his developmental drive in the health sector, saying, over 50 healthcare facilities have been successfully renovated in two years.
He gave the commendation during telemedicine workshop held in Benin City.
Dr. Alli said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has continued to reposition primary healthcare centres through strategic interventions.
According to him “In the last two years, we have renovated over 50 facilities and we have also deployed personnel there with the goal that at least there should be one primary healthcare centre functional per each ward. We have a template; we have the design.
“We do not want us to begin to view primary healthcare centres as clinics for poor people and for rural dwellers. It is for everyone who needs the services.”
Earlier, the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, represented by the State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okunbowa, while speaking on the theme, “Delivering Value in Primary Health Care: The Role of Telemedicine, the Head of Service, said with fiber optic connection across the 18 Local Government areas in Edo State, primary healthcare centres can leverage access to the internet to improve delivery of quality healthcare.
He said, “Through telemedicine we can actually harness the power of technology to overcome the barriers that have plagued our primary healthcare system. With the advent of telecommunication networks, video conferences, mobile applications, medical advice, consultations diagnosis can be delivered remotely reaching those in need regardless of the geographical limitations.
“The novel initiative is made possible by his Excellency with the connection of fiber optics across the 18 Local Government areas in Edo State.
This not only saves time and resources but also ensures quality healthcare services are readily available even in the most remote areas.”