The Association of Resident Doctors under Edo State Government employment (ARD EDGE) has welcomed the ₦2.5 billion allocation for a Paediatric Centre at UBTH but insists state-owned hospitals must not be neglected. The doctors urge Governor Okpebholo to replicate similar bold investments in state health facilities and workers’ welfare.
PRESS RELEASE
Edo State Doctors Call for Equal Attention to State Owned Health Facilities Following ₦2.5 Billion Allocation to UBTH
The Association of Resident Doctors under Edo State Government Employment (ARD EDGE) has noted the recent announcement that the Edo State Government has approved the construction of a ₦2.5 billion world class Paediatric Centre at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). We commend the vision behind this gesture, as UBTH serves not only Edo people but also neighboring states as a major tertiary healthcare center.
However, this development has brought to light a matter of great concern. While we do not condemn this action in its entirety, it clearly shows that there are resources available to make significant investments in the health sector. We therefore believe that this is the right time for the Edo State Government to extend similar commitment and funding to our state owned health facilities, which remain in dire need of attention both in terms of infrastructure and healthcare workers’ welfare.
It is important to note that Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which was extensively renovated by the previous administration, is yet to be fully operational. At present, only the former COVID 19 isolation center, barely a fraction of the facility, is in use, while the rest of the structure remains idle.
In addition, the Central Hospital Benin, previously displaced and fragmented by previous administration(s), is yet to receive the investment it deserves. Rather than restoring it to its rightful capacity, services are being moved to Oredo Primary Health Centre, which is grossly inadequate for the needs and patient load of a general hospital of that caliber.
The Edo Specialist Hospital, which should serve as a flagship healthcare institution, continues to seek expansion and improvement but has yet to receive the necessary support to achieve its full potential.
We also recall that despite the recently suspended industrial action by ARD EDGE, the key welfare and structural issues presented to the government remain unresolved. This new allocation to a federal institution reinforces our belief that the Edo State Government has the capacity to address these pressing concerns affecting state owned facilities and healthcare workers under its employment.
We therefore respectfully urge His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to take immediate steps to replicate such bold investments within the state health system. Directing similar resources towards Edo State owned hospitals will not only improve access to quality healthcare for our people but also strengthen the overall health system for the benefit of all.
Charity, as the saying goes, begins at home. While we support the growth of UBTH, we firmly believe that the people of Edo State will gain even greater value when our primary and secondary health facilities are revitalized and our workforce is adequately supported.
Signed
Dr. Peter O. Evbuomwan
PresidentDr. Ernest Hills Oamen
Secretary General
