Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, NigeriaÂ
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has announced the deployment of telemedicine programmes across Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the State, aiming to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of Edo.
Speaking during the launch of the telemedicine programme at Central Clinic, Ukpenu in Esan West Local Government area of Edo State, Governor Obaseki expressed his administration’s commitment to revolutionizing the healthcare sector.
Present at the event were distinguished guests including the Edo State First Lady, Dr. Betsy Obaseki; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli; Local Government Chairmen from Edo Central Senatorial District; Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA), and representatives of market women associations, among others.
Governor Obaseki highlighted the significance of the telemedicine initiative, stating that it represents a significant milestone for his administration’s vision to address the deficiencies in the healthcare system inherited in 2016. He emphasized the administration’s dual focus on education and healthcare, aiming to restore dignity to the people of Edo.
The governor outlined the tangible progress made in refurbishing and equipping PHCs across the State, with a particular emphasis on integrating modern amenities such as solar power systems and internet connectivity. He revealed plans to enhance healthcare infrastructure by establishing clinics in various communities, with approximately 200 PHCs earmarked for renovation and upgrade.
Acknowledging the shortage of medical personnel in the State, Governor Obaseki underscored the administration’s efforts to address this challenge through the establishment of training schools. He emphasized the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce, highlighting the ongoing revitalization of the Edo State School of Medical Health Technology.
In terms of infrastructure support for the telemedicine programme, Governor Obaseki highlighted the expansion of fiber optic internet infrastructure to every local government area in the State over the past year. He also promoted the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme as a means to mitigate healthcare costs and improve access to medical services.
The telemedicine programme, according to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban healthcare systems by providing access to general and specialized healthcare services. Dr. Alli encouraged citizens, including market women, to enroll in the Edo Health Insurance Scheme to benefit from quality healthcare services.
In his remarks, Dr. Joseph Abhulimen, President of Esan Peoples Congress in America (EPC), commended Governor Obaseki for fulfilling the aspirations of the Esan people through the provision of telemedicine services in Esan West Local Government Area.