In line with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s pledge to domesticate the National Health Act (NHAct), the Edo State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) has organized a workshop for stakeholders towards the implementation of the Act aimed at improving health care delivery in Edo State.
Addressing participants, including heads and representatives of religious organizations and representatives of the associations and councils of medical practitioners in the state, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, said the domestication of the act which is a part of the state’s health reforms, will provide legal support for the many initiatives being introduced to develop the health care delivery system.
She expressed appreciation to HERFON for its efforts and disclosed that the Ministry is working with the organization to guarantee the success of NHAct in Edo State, adding that “it is the responsibility of the Government to create legislation that permits safe health practices”
Prof. Akoria further said that Governor Obaseki is aware of the public’s health desires and has developed strategies to systematically address them.
She cited the renovation of the state’s primary healthcare facilities, which she described as the cornerstone of healthcare services, noting that “this has further strengthened government in making health facilities accessible to everyone in the State.”
The Commissioner urged public and private medical practitioners in the state to unite and see themselves as an entity to support the review process and ensure a comprehensive Act that will address the urgent needs in medical practice, which will ultimately have an impact on the standard of healthcare provided to Edo residents.
She added, “The Ministry seeks not to exclude any professional but aims at the inclusion of all stakeholders to achieve the ultimate goal of excellent medical service delivery in the state.
“The Act is for the good of all. Edo is leading on many fronts in this country. The problem in the nation’s health sector can be solved by using the example of Edo state.”
In his address, the Program Manager of HERFON, Dr. Opeyemi Adeosun, commended the state government for its commitment towards raising the standards of health service delivery in the State.
Adeosun added that the domestication of NHAct is aimed at establishing legal requirements for health service delivery in the state while establishing a framework for controlling, regulating, and promoting health, adding, “If the legislation is put into effect, it will redesign how standards are defined and regulated for all medical services being provided in the state.”
