…Expanding Access To Free And Affordable Health Care
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has built and renovated 61 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state’s 18 local government areas in less than two years in office, driving accessible and quality healthcare closer to underserved residents.
The initiative introduces free malaria testing and free delivery services at these facilities, easing financial burdens for families and eliminating long travel to urban centres for basic care.
Benefiting communities include Idogbo Health Centre in Ikpoba Okha, Usih in Egor, and New Era in Oredo, Urhonigbe Heath Center in Orhionmwon, Iguoriakhi Health in Ovia South West, among others within the Edo South Senatorial District, marking a major improvement in the quality of life for local communities.
For many beneficiaries, the renewed health centres represent not merely newly Constructed buildings, but a significant improvement in their quality of life.
Residents who spoke to newsmen expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying the availability of functional healthcare facilities within their communities has reduced the stress, cost and risks associated with seeking treatment far from home.
A resident whose wife delivered earlier in the day confirmed that she received the free delivery service, describing the initiative as a welcome relief for families.
Another beneficiary said she was particularly impressed by the quality of service and professionalism of the healthcare workers. “I am happy that we have something like this in our community. I love it and love the professionalism of the staff there, the way they attend to me and treated me. I am really happy,” she said.
Mr. Victor Okonta, a resident in one of the communities, noted that the transformation has become especially valuable during emergencies. “Having a health centre in our community is a good one for us. We don’t have to go through the stress of going to the city centre anymore, especially during emergencies at night. Before, this place was not okay, but since the renovation, everything is back to normal and the community people are using it,” he said.
Beyond healthcare, the renewed facilities are also stimulating economic activity in surrounding communities. Mrs. Helen Ebhogiaye, a trader at Iwogban Community, said the transformation of their formerly dilapidated health centre had increased patronage for local businesses. “Before, this health centre was in a very bad state and people hardly come here for treatment or delivery. But today, since the government intervention, here is booming and it is a plus for us traders. I sell food, and because the place is always busy, I now have many customers patronising me,” she said.
A staff nurse at one of the facilities, Mrs. Omorodion Victory, said the centre operates round the clock, providing immunisation, maternity services, treatment and family planning. “We render 24-hour services. Delivery is 100% free here. The benefit of this place is that it provides healthcare for community people at an affordable cost and is accessible 24 hours,” she said.
Across the facilities, patients, nursing mothers and other beneficiaries have continued to recount their experiences, commending the government for restoring healthcare services closer to their doorsteps and praising the dedication and professionalism of the health workers.
For communities that once endured long journeys, high medical bills and poorly functioning facilities, the renewed centres are increasingly being seen as a tangible return of essential public healthcare to the people.