By Fatima Saka
The Edo State Government has expanded access to primary healthcare by building and renovating 61 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas, with free malaria testing and delivery services now available at the facilities.
The intervention, implemented under Gov. Monday Okpebholo in less than two years in office, is aimed at bringing essential healthcare services closer to underserved communities while reducing the financial burden and risks associated with travelling to urban centres for basic medical care.
The facilities include Idogbo Health Centre in Ikpoba Okha, Usih in Egor, New Era in Oredo, Urhonigbe Health Centre in Orhionmwon and Iguoriakhi Health Centre in Ovia South West, among others, particularly across Edo South Senatorial District.
For residents, the renewed health centres represent more than physical infrastructure, as they have restored access to essential services and reduced the cost, stress and risks of seeking treatment far from their communities.
A resident, whose wife delivered earlier in the day, said she benefited from the free delivery service, describing the initiative as a major relief to families.
Another beneficiary commended the quality of services and professionalism of the health 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 beneficiary communities, said the renovated facility had become particularly useful during emergencies, especially at night.
“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.
The intervention has also had an economic impact on surrounding communities, with traders reporting increased patronage as more residents now visit the facilities for healthcare services.
Mrs Helen Ebhogiaye, a trader at Iwogban Community, said the renovation of the previously dilapidated health centre had brought more economic activity to the area.
“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, offering immunisation, maternity care, treatment and family planning services.
“We render 24-hour services. Delivery is 100 per cent 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 renovated facilities, patients, nursing mothers and other beneficiaries have continued to commend the state government for restoring essential healthcare services within their communities.
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The renewed PHCs are therefore helping to address one of the major challenges facing rural and underserved residents — the need to travel long distances and incur additional costs to access basic healthcare.
For communities that previously endured poorly functioning facilities, high medical bills and lengthy journeys to urban centres, the intervention is increasingly being viewed as a return of essential public healthcare services to their doorsteps.
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