Dr Andrew Iyamu, Special Adviser to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Health, has reiterated the need for stronger sensitisation and monitoring of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Iyamu noted that many residents are unaware that certain drugs and services provided at PHCs are free. He made the remark at a town hall meeting organised by the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in Benin City.
“I personally visited several healthcare centres on the governor’s directive and discovered many challenges, including staff shortages and poor emergency response systems,” he said.
Iyamu warned against over-reliance on poorly equipped private clinics, where one doctor often handles multiple specialties, leading to mismanagement of complicated cases before referral to tertiary facilities.
He stressed that the government alone cannot shoulder the burden of healthcare and called for partnerships with private individuals, NGOs, foundations, and Nigerians in the diaspora to revitalise facilities.
Iyamu added that the state government is renovating PHCs and installing facilities for people living with diabetes and disabilities, including ramps. He noted that some organisations and philanthropists have donated equipment, while discussions continue with more stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr Coulson Oahimire, described the meeting as a citizen-centred initiative aimed at promoting primary healthcare through collaboration with government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and communities.
He emphasised that healthcare is everybody’s business and urged stronger community participation to improve service delivery, accountability, and trust.
The agency’s Health Educator, Mrs Irene Uabor, urged residents to provide feedback and spread awareness that PHCs offer services beyond immunisation and maternal care.
Stakeholders commended the “Citizen-Centred Primary Healthcare Services” initiative, which seeks to boost health literacy, build trust, and increase utilisation of PHCs for services including immunisation, reproductive health, family planning, nutrition, mental health, and dental care.
A board member of the National Health Care Development Agency, Mr Musa Abdullai, highlighted ongoing reforms in infrastructure, drug supply, staff training, and emergency response. He stressed the need for ramps in all PHCs to accommodate persons with disabilities and encouraged participants to share complaints and recommendations openly.
