By Monday Ajogun
About 61 communities across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Edo State have benefited from the critical intervention of the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the healthcare services.
The administration has in the last two years of the Governor in office had their Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), either renovated or newly constructed.
The intervention is aimed at bringing accessible and quality healthcare services closer to residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
It also provides free malaria testing and delivery services at the renovated and newly constructed facilities, thereby reducing the financial burden on families and the need to travel to urban centres for basic healthcare.
Some of the benefiting communities include Idogbo, in Ikpoba-Okha, Usih in Egor, New Era in Oredo, Urhonigbe in Orhionmwon and Iguoriakhi, in Ovia South-West, among others.
The development has been described by residents as a major improvement in the quality of healthcare and living conditions in their communities.
Residents who spoke to newsmen expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying the availability of functional healthcare facilities within their communities had reduced the stress, cost and risks associated with seeking medical attention far from home.
A resident whose wife was delivered of a baby earlier in the day, confirmed that she benefited from the free delivery service, describing the initiative as a welcome relief for families.
Another beneficiary commended the quality of services 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 benefiting communities, said the transformation had become particularly 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 activities 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 Victory Omorodion, said the centre operated round the clock and provided immunisation, maternity services, treatment and family planning.
“We render 24-hour services. Delivery is 100 percent 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 commend the government for restoring essential healthcare services closer to their doorsteps.
They also praised the dedication and professionalism of health workers serving in the centres.
For communities that once endured long journeys, high medical bills and poorly functioning facilities, the renewed health centres are increasingly being seen as a tangible return of essential public healthcare services to the people.
