Free Malaria Testing, Delivery Services Bring Healthcare Closer To Edo Residents
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has built and renovated 61 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state’s 18 local government areas in less than two years in office, bringing essential healthcare services closer to underserved communities.
The healthcare transformation is also expanding access to free and affordable medical care, with the renovated and newly constructed facilities offering free malaria testing and free delivery services, helping families reduce the financial burden of healthcare and eliminating the need for long journeys to urban centres for basic treatment.
Across Edo South Senatorial District, communities benefiting from the intervention include Idogbo Health Centre in Ikpoba-Okha, Usih in Egor, New Era in Oredo, Urhonigbe Health Centre in Orhionmwon and Iguoriakhi Health Centre in Ovia South-West, among others.
For many residents, the intervention represents more than newly constructed or renovated buildings. It has restored functional healthcare services within communities, reduced the cost and stress of accessing treatment and provided residents with greater confidence in receiving care close to home.
One resident, whose wife delivered earlier in the day, confirmed that she benefited from the free delivery service, describing the initiative as a major relief for families.
Another beneficiary praised the quality of service and professionalism of healthcare workers at the facility.
“I am happy that we have something like this in our community. I love it and love the professionalism of the staff there, the way they attend to me and treated me. I am really happy,” she said.
For Mr. Victor Okonta, the value of having a functional health centre within the community is particularly evident during emergencies.
“Having a health centre in our community is a good one for us. We don’t have to go through the stress of going to the city centre anymore, especially during emergencies at night. Before, this place was not okay, but since the renovation, everything is back to normal and the community people are using it,” he said.
The healthcare transformation is also having an economic impact on surrounding communities.
Mrs. Helen Ebhogiaye, a trader at Iwogban Community, said the rehabilitation of their previously dilapidated health centre had increased activity and patronage for local businesses.
“Before, this health centre was in a very bad state and people hardly come here for treatment or delivery. But today, since the government intervention, here is booming and it is a plus for us traders. I sell food, and because the place is always busy, I now have many customers patronising me,” she said.
Healthcare workers also said the renewed facilities are operating around the clock to meet the needs of residents.
A staff nurse at one of the centres, Mrs. Omorodion Victory, said the facility provides immunisation, maternity services, treatment and family planning services.
“We render 24-hour services. Delivery is 100% free here. The benefit of this place is that it provides healthcare for community people at an affordable cost and is accessible 24 hours,” she said.
Across the 61 facilities, patients, nursing mothers and other beneficiaries have continued to commend the intervention, particularly the return of essential healthcare services closer to their homes.
For communities that previously faced long journeys, high medical bills and poorly functioning health centres, the renewed facilities are increasingly becoming a tangible improvement in everyday life.
The intervention, therefore, goes beyond the construction and renovation of healthcare infrastructure. For many Edo residents, it means shorter distances to treatment, reduced healthcare costs, safer access to maternity services and the reassurance that essential medical care is available within their communities.