Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has sent a bill to the Edo State House of Assembly to increase the retirement of medical doctors to 70 years to check brain drain and retain experienced hands in the health sector.
The Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole, revealed this in his keynote address at a free medical outreach organized by the Edo State Health Insurance Commission (EDOHIC) to mark Okpebholo’s 100 days in office.
He said that from day one, the governor demonstrated a clear vision for transforming the health sector and addressing the brain drain in the sector.
“In collaboration with the Edo State House of Assembly, His Excellency is pushing for a bill to increase the retirement age for doctors to 70 years, ensuring the state retains experienced medical professionals,” he said.
Oshiomhole said that within 100 days, the governor had strengthened primary healthcare in the state, “Distributing 18 ultrasound machines to primary healthcare centers to improve maternal and child health services.
Training and retraining of healthcare professionals across all 18 local government areas on the use of ultrasound machines, ensuring efficient diagnosis and care. Training traditional birth attendants to enhance safe delivery practices in rural communities,” among others.
He said, “While we celebrate these achievements, we recognize that the journey to a robust healthcare system is ongoing. His Excellency’s administration remains committed to Expanding healthcare infrastructure to reach every citizen, especially in rural areas, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector and development partners to enhance service delivery.”
On her part, the Director General of the EDOHIC, Augusta Ikpea-Enaholo, said free medical outreach was also to enroll more people in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIS), which she said currently has about 400,000 people.
The event was held in collaboration with the Edo Specialist Hospital.
