By Agbonlahor Felicia
Primary health care refers to the essential health care made accessible to individuals in a community at an affordable cost. It is widely regarded as the most inclusive, equitable and cost-effective way to achieve universal health coverage. It is also key to strengthening the resilience of health systems to respond to and recover from shocks and crises.
As such, the Edo State primary health care system has been properly restructured to meet the standard of international best practices, with qualified health workers deployed to various health centres under the close supervision of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ESPHCDA).
Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision of making Edo Great Again, has led to the transformation of the ESPHCDA and the healthcare delivery system in the State.
Under the Social Wellbeing pillar, one of the six thematic areas of the MEGA Agenda, a total of twenty (20) Primary Health Centres have been renovated, and three (3) PHC’s recently refurbished with thirty one (31) upgraded facilities fully equipped to ensure rural dwellers have access to quality healthcare service across the State.
As part of improving the primary health care system in the state, the State Government has also trained health workers across LGA’s to render
quality health care services to Edo State Residents.
Hence, the importance of primary health care can not be overemphasised as it is the backbone of a country’s health system and at the same time serves as the enabler of socio-economic development of the community.
Research has shown that access to primary health services is linked to better health outcomes. They provide an entry point for the entire health system and spread access to health services for isolated or deprived populations that may not have the means to access these services otherwise.
Decentralisation has been the mantra for strengthening the healthcare system in Edo. To achieve the desired goal, the State Government has supported the decentralisation by engaging health workers in a series of training to fully equip them in the discharge of their duties.
Recently, in collaboration with partners, health workers were trained on quality of care for improving Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly, Health, Plus Nutrition (RMNCAEH + N) Quality of Care (QoC) in the State.
In the same vein, the State Government in partnership with the Challenge Initiatives (TCI) also trained nurses and midwives across the LGAs Primary Health Centres and Secondary Health Facilities on Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive/ Adolescent and Youth Friendly-Health Services.
In course of the training, participants were taken through series of modules which included medical eligibility/client assessment, infection prevention for long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, Copper Intrauterine Device (Copper T 380A) module, Postpartum Intrauterine Device module, Post Abortion Intrauterine Device (PAID) module and Contraceptive Implants Module (CIM).
According to one of the instructors at the training which was held from the 20th – 24th June 2022 at SOML Conference Hall, Hospital Management Board Complex in Benin City, Dr. Benard. A noted while lecturing that the aim of the training was to adequately equip health service providers with the needed technical support for quality health service and to render all ranges of family planning services accurately.
Dr. Benard, affirmed that the proper approach to rendering quality health services, is to respect client views and not allow personal beliefs and values to militate against providing the best services either because of religious or cultural beliefs.
Meanwhile, various communities across Edo State have benefited from the upgraded and restructured health facilities across the State by the present administration led by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
