By Mercy Akuba
Residents in Edo Communities have been enjoined to utilize the affordable and quality health care services of the newly built, renovated and equipped Primary Health-care Facilities in their various LGA.
The PHC centers which was built and in some cases renovated by the Edo State Government through the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Bank to provide quality health care services and reduce maternal child mortality.is said to be under used by the people it was meant to serve.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the facility tour led by the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Cyril Adams Oshoimhole and team of delegates from the World Bank, the Commissioner commended the World Bank and Governor Monday Okpebholo for their partnership in the Project Impact in the state.
Hon. Oshoimhole noted that the Federal Government Impact Project sponsored by World Bank was in line with the Governor ‘s Shine Agenda in providing seamless healthcare services for Edo people.
He further said the Oghede PHC , despite being well equipped with modern facilities is underused by residents of the community.
He called on the people to access the services of the PHCs as the investment was meant to provide quality medical services for people in their communities.
He commended his team for their commitment in ensuring that the 54 facilities were built and equipped according to specifications.
He also appreciated the World Bank and the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo for their immense support during the period of building and equipping the facilities.
The PHCs are well equipped with a theater, Laboratory, Pharmacy, along with 24hours electricity and a staff quarter .
On his part ,the leader of the World Bank team, Dr. Onoriode Ezire explained that the Impact Project is being implemented in 31 states in the country.
According to him, the federal government is using the Impact Project to provide quality primary health care services for the vulnerable in the various communities across the country.
He commended the 54 PHC facilities in Edo State and called on the residents to utilize the investment.
“Healthcare is the priority of Governor Monday Okpebholo and it will not be proper to invest huge sum of money in these facilities and they are not used by the people”
The World Bank National Project Manager ,,Dr. Amina Abdul-Ore Muhammed also commended the quality of facilities in the 54 Primary Health-care centers in Edo State.
She lended her voice to the call for increase sensitization of the grassroots people on the need to use the services of the PHCs.
On his part, the Chairman Board of Trustee of Edo State Primary Health-care development Agency, Odiase Ehibhi while responding to newsmen, expressed satisfaction on the facilities and said it is worth the time and effort put in the work.
He appreciated the Governor for giving him and his team the opportunity to serve the people.
Dr Andrew Iyamu ,SSA to Governor on Health matters commended the Federal Government and the State Governor for creating an enabling environment for the team to work effectively.
He said his office will continue to do it’s Job to ensure that the standard put in place is sustained to provide quality health care services for Edo People.
Present at the facility tour were Dr Kenny Okojie, the Executive Secretary Edo State Drug Management Agency, Dr Paul Egheimhenrio and senior staff members of the Ministry.