By Hillary Asemota
The Edo State Government has expressed preparedness to launch telemedicine services across the state’s 18 local councils in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America.
The Edo Commissioner of Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the government will be organizing a free medical outreach for Edo residents with the support of the physicians.
Akoria, said, “The Association of Nigeria Physicians in America will be working with physicians, surgeons and other healthcare specialists in Edo State to provide free healthcare for Edo people and will last for about 10 days beginning from 22nd of April 2022.
“We will also be launching a telemedicine service that will continue beyond the duration of the mission. Going forward, we will be able to have the expertise of our colleagues abroad come to bear on the care that we will be providing for our people starting from primary healthcare facilities along Sapele Road, Benin City.”
Reassuring the government’s commitment to upgrading Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCS) in the state to guarantee an efficient healthcare system, the commissioner said the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led state government will sustain investment in the sector to ensure that every Edo resident has access to quality healthcare services.
She added, “We are committed to ensuring the upgrade of primary health care facilities in the state. If properly run, primary healthcare facilities will become the gateway and bedrock of quality healthcare for the people of Edo State.
“Our focus and vision for the state is for Edo people to access healthcare that is equitable and affordable and as close to where they live and work as possible. We will make Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state to work.”