FIC Report (Edo State) – The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki have called for more private sector involvement in achieving a strong and effective healthcare system that will guarantee delivery of quality and efficient healthcare services to citizens.
The duo made the call during a dinner organized for members of the Association of Nigeria Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) who are in Edo State on a one-week medical mission, providing specialized healthcare services to the people of the State.
During the medical mission, over 5,000 Edo residents benefitted from the free surgical intervention and treatments for heart, kidney, eye and other ailments.
Dr. Ehanire who commended the collaboration between ANPA and the State Government, noted that, “Nigeria suffers from brain drains as the country’s medical personnel have left to practice abroad. It’s difficult to stop them despite several plans as it affects not only Nigeria but across the globe.”
He applauded the plan for telemedicine which he claimed to have been experimented in America during the COVID-19 era with the help of technology which became very useful over there.
According to the Minister, ‘’Technology allows for virtual consultation between experts in the Diaspora and their patients here in Nigeria. We would like to institutionalize such a relationship to enable us share knowledge and skills and begin to develop the health sector here in Nigeria. We are waiting for the signature of the President to create the National Health Insurance Commission that will make health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians and increase the physical space for health.”
Governor Obaseki who commended the Association for the free medical outreach, said that the mission has provided better healthcare service for Edo people. He also appreciated the Association for engaging their colleagues in Edo state in capacity building.
The governor noted that the activities of ANPA in Edo State have helped the government to rethink the issue of brain drain.
“You are in the position to help us tackle brain drain. This mission has been so helpful as I believe that we can do two missions per year. Your services to Edo people are invaluable to the healthcare regeneration of our state and country at large.”The Governor stressed.
BY BESIRU ENAKHIMION
FIC BENIN
