Edo State has stepped up its drive to take basic healthcare closer to residents, with the state government revamping 61 Primary Healthcare Centres across its 18 local government areas in less than two years.
The renovated facilities now provide services including free malaria testing and free childbirth, giving residents in underserved communities an alternative to costly and often distant urban hospitals.
Among the facilities renovated are the PHCs in Idogbo, Ikpoba-Okha; Usih, Egor; New Era, Oredo; Urhonigbe, Orhionmwon; and Iguoriakhi, Ovia South-West, among others.
For residents, the intervention is about more than renovated buildings. They say the return of functional health centres is reducing the cost, stress and delays associated with accessing medical care, particularly during emergencies at night.
One resident, whose wife delivered at one of the centres, said the free delivery policy had provided significant relief for families struggling with healthcare costs.
Another beneficiary praised the staff and quality of service at the facility.
“I am happy that we have something like this in our community. I love the professionalism of the staff and the way they attend to me,” she said.
A community member, Victor Okonta, said the rehabilitation had saved residents the trouble of travelling to the city for basic medical attention.
“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,” he said.
“Before, this place was not okay, but since the renovation, everything is back to normal.”
The renewed activity around the centres is also creating opportunities for small businesses in the communities.
Helen Ebhogiaye, a trader at Iwogban, said the increased number of patients and health workers had brought more customers to local traders.
“Before, this health centre was in a very bad state and people hardly came here. But today, here is booming and it is a plus for us traders,” she said.
“I sell food, and because the place is always busy, I now have many customers.”
A staff nurse, Omorodion Victory, said the facility operates round the clock and provides immunisation, maternity care, treatment and family planning services.
“Delivery is 100 per cent free here. The benefit is that it provides healthcare at affordable cost and is accessible 24 hours,” she said.
For communities that previously relied on dilapidated health posts or had to travel long distances for basic treatment, the rehabilitation of the 61 PHCs is changing access to primary healthcare at the grassroots.