Edo govt seeks nurses support to sustain ongoing revamp of health system, assures better welfare

 

The Edo State Government has called for the collaboration and support of nursing professionals in the State to sustain ongoing revamp of the State's healthcare system, assuring them of improved welfare and other incentives to guarantee effective and efficient healthcare service delivery to Edo people.

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Samuel Alli, made the call when he received members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), led by its chairman, Comr. Nr Catherine Esene, who were on a courtesy visit to his office, in Benin City.

Reassuring the government’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare delivery to Edo people, the Commissioner said the government is strengthening efforts to address the issue of quackery in the State.

He further noted that the government is strengthening regulations and sustaining investment in the sector to ensure structural improvement in medical facilities throughout the State, as part of efforts to reposition the State as a medical hub in the country.

The Commissioner said, “I deeply appreciate you all for this visit, and for bringing to our attention the issues which you believe are hindering performances in the health sector.  The Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has over the past six years prioritized investment in the healthcare system and is committed to improving access and the delivery of quality and efficient healthcare services to Edo people.”

He further noted, “In terms of quackery, I am glad that you know what we are doing about that. We will continue to ensure that the rate of quackery is reduced to the barest minimum, through appropriate regulations. We are also undertaking holistic projects to ensure that our health facilities are given a well-deserved facelift, in line with the government’s vision to transform the State into a medical hub.”

The Commissioner urged the nurses to key into the state government’s vision, and align with the strategic directions in the ongoing health sector reforms, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people.

Alli, who encouraged the nursing professional to see themselves as leaders and problem solvers in the health sector, added, “The Government has a role to play, and you also have a role to play. You must not relent in your quest to deliver quality services to the people of Edo State. If we all do our parts as we should, we will begin to see the progress we desire.”

In her address, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Comr. Nr Catherine Esene, congratulated the Commissioner on his well-deserved appointment, expressing utmost confidence in his ability to drive the vision of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in the health sector.

While commending the State Government for the recent recruitment of staff into the Ministry of Health, Hospitals Management Agency and the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Comr. Esene gave insights into some challenges facing the sector, adding that through collaborative efforts, these challenges could be overcome.