PRESS RELEASE: Edo State Doctors Decry Neglect of State-Owned Health Facilities Amidst ₦2.5 Billion Allocation to Federal Institution

The Association of Resident Doctors under Edo State Government Employment (ARD EDGE) has expressed deep concern over 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), barely a week into the tenure of its new Chief Medical Director, Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu.

While we recognize that UBTH, as a federal tertiary health institution, serves residents of Edo State and neighboring states, we strongly believe that an investment of this magnitude would have had far-reaching benefits if directed towards revamping Edo State-owned health facilities, which are currently in a deplorable condition.

It is disheartening 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 tenth of the entire building—is in use, while the rest of the structure remains underutilized.

Furthermore, the Central Hospital Benin, previously displaced and fragmented by past administrations, has not received the attention it rightfully deserves. Instead, services are being moved to Oredo Primary Health Centre, a facility grossly inadequate to cater to the volume and scope of a state-owned general hospital with the historical capacity of the Central Hospital.

The Edo Specialist Hospital, envisioned as a flagship healthcare institution in the state, has long sought expansion and adequate support, yet continues to operate below its full potential due to lack of government prioritization.

It is equally concerning that despite the recent suspension of industrial action by ARD EDGE, the core demands presented to the government remain unresolved. Rather than addressing these pressing issues and strengthening the state health system for the direct benefit of Edo people, the government has chosen to prioritize a federal institution.

We are reminded of the age-old adage: “Charity begins at home.” As much as UBTH plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery, investing ₦2.5 billion into Edo State-owned hospitals would have significantly improved access to quality healthcare for our people and created a more resilient state health system.

We therefore call on His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to reconsider this approach and channel equal, if not greater, attention and resources towards revitalizing state-owned health facilities, ensuring they meet the standards expected by the good people of Edo State.

Strengthening our primary and secondary health facilities is not just a matter of equity; it is essential for the sustainability of healthcare delivery in Edo State.

Signed:
Dr. Peter O. Evbuomwan
President

Dr. Ernest Hills Oamen
Secretary General