By Eseosa Okhemuokho
The Health of a State and wellbeing of its people is proportional to its productivity. For any state to thrive, the health and welfare of its citizens is crucial. After all, the adage, “Health is wealth” could not be more fitting.
In his budget presentation for year 2025, dubbed “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, reaffirmed his commitment to the wellbeing of Edo people. The breakdown has a sum of N63.9b (sixty-three billon, nine hundred thousand Naira) for Health, and N1.8b (one billion, eight hundred thousand Naira) for the Health Insurance Scheme, out of a total budget estimate of N605b (six hundred and five billion Naira).
According to the Governor, “The 2025 Proposed Budget is designed to achieve the goals of my five-point agenda which include, Security, Infrastructural Development, Healthcare, Food sufficiency, and Education. We have also aligned this Budget with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, considering its programmes into the State Development Plan, which will guide my administration in 2025.
“For healthcare, N63.9b (sixty-three billon, nine hundred thousand Naira) has been allocated for 2025, with plans to enhance accessibility and affordability. We are reviewing the Health Sector initiatives to increase access to quality healthcare. A total of N1.8b (one billion, eight hundred thousand Naira) has been set aside for Health Insurance to achieve this goal”.
In an earlier event and swearing in of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomole, Governor Okpebholo charged him on working hard, and staying committed to improving the State’s Health Sector when he said that the Health Commissioner needs to know that there are challenges ahead and that they need to face head on and ensure a vibrant, efficient and effective Healthcare Sector in the State.
As the title of the 2025 Budget suggests, there is optimism that the Okpebholo administration will deliver quality healthcare for Edo residents. This will ensure that an average person can conveniently access affordable healthcare, which will foster a healthier and wealthier Edo for all.
