The Edo state Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association, Dr Emmanuel Osaigbovo, has lamented that only three hospitals out of the 34 owned by the State Government are functioning. Dr. Osaigbovo stated this on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin, the Edo state capital. He listed the functional hospitals as the Central Hospital, Stella Obasanjo Hospital and General Hospital, Auchi.
The NMA Boss however revealed that in the course of the five days warning strike embarked upon by the association last March, the state government hinted of its intention to ensure the rejuvenation of all its hospital.
The NMA chairman said this was contained in a government blueprint on the health sector in the state, which was made available to the association. He noted that the blueprint also contained government possible solution to some of the issues raised, which prompted the strike.
He added that the government blueprint outlined plans for new development of primary healthcare centres, with the first 20 to be fixed within three months and an additional 200 to be completed within 24 months.
Meanwhile, the Edo state government has given assurance to employ more doctors and allied health workers before the end of the year, so as to boost healthcare delivery in the state.
