Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Benin City, Edo state
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has revealed ambitious plans to elevate the state into a premier medical destination through significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and manpower development.
In an exclusive discussion with journalists also covered by Truth Live News in Benin City, Obaseki highlighted the government’s steadfast commitment over the past seven years to upgrade healthcare services, aiming to establish Edo as a top-tier hub for medical tourism in Nigeria.
Obaseki emphasized the pivotal role of quality healthcare services and skilled professionals in this transformation, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance both hospital facilities and primary healthcare centers across the state. “We are making Edo and Benin, in particular, a healthcare hub by ensuring the improvement of health infrastructure to meet global standards,” he stated.
Additionally, the governor stressed the importance of instituting training programs to cultivate a pool of proficient healthcare personnel necessary for delivering superior care.
Central to this initiative is the revitalization of the School of Health Technology, aimed at bolstering the state’s primary healthcare system and overall healthcare services.
Obaseki outlined plans to expedite the institution’s accreditation process to ensure timely commencement of operations, underscoring its significance in addressing the state’s healthcare needs.
Addressing specific projects, Obaseki provided insights into the transformation of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital into a comprehensive medical facility. While the Out-Patient Department (OPD) is operational, ongoing construction work aims to equip the Inpatient Department with state-of-the-art facilities, including wards and operational theaters, to cater to diverse medical needs.
However, the governor acknowledged challenges in synchronizing the completion of different sections of the hospital to ensure seamless service delivery. He articulated plans to stagger the opening of sections, prioritizing functionality and efficiency to minimize disruptions and optimize patient care.