The Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia and his team commenced a tour of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state as part of a supportive supervision exercise aimed at assessing facility conditions, service delivery, workforce performance, and data management practices.
The three-day exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026, and ended on Thursday, September 10th, 2026, focused on evaluating the level of functionality of PHCs, particularly facilities renovated through the support of the Global Fund in collaboration with UNICEF, as well as other facilities outside the intervention areas.
During the tour, the Executive Secretary and his team visited several PHCs across different Local Government Areas, engaging medical officers of health, healthcare workers, community leaders, and facility managers on the importance of ownership, accountability, and sustainable maintenance of healthcare infrastructure.
At Apana PHC in Etsako West Local Government Area, Dr. Osoikhia and his team assessed service delivery activities and reviewed facility records, including antenatal care (ANC) registers and other essential documentation, to evaluate data recording practices and ensure accurate reporting.
The team also visited Jattu PHC in Auchi, which is not currently supported under the Global Fund intervention, where the Executive Secretary assessed the facility’s operations and service delivery processes.
At Eko Ewu PHC in Esan Central Local Government Area, a facility supported through the Global Fund intervention, Dr. Osoikhia engaged community leaders and encouraged them to take ownership of the facility by supporting proper maintenance and ensuring that the infrastructure provided continues to serve the needs of the community.
During the visit, he also observed that some available equipment had not been fully utilized and charged the facility management to ensure that the equipment should be effectively utilized to improve healthcare services.
The tour continued to Evbuomodu PHC in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, where the renovation work had reached about 98 percent completion, with only finishing touches remaining. He urged the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and community leaders to maintain the facility and protect the investments made to improve healthcare delivery.
At Ikpema PHC in Oredo Local Government Area, the Executive Secretary confirmed that renovation work had been completed and that healthcare workers were expected to move into the facility by Monday, September 14th, 2026, to commence service delivery. He further disclosed plans to explore opportunities for deploying youth corp doctors to support the facility, improve utilization, and strengthen healthcare services within the community.
The team also visited Egua Edaiken PHC at Egor LGA, where Dr. Osoikhia identified areas requiring further attention and assured that contractors would return to address outstanding issues and ensure the facility meets the required standard for both healthcare workers and patients.
Speaking at the end of the tour, the Executive Secretary appreciated the efforts of the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his commitment towards improving primary healthcare delivery through collaborations with development partners, including the Global Fund, UNICEF, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other technical partners.
Dr. Osoikhia noted that transforming the state’s primary healthcare system is a gradual process but expressed optimism that healthcare facilities across Edo State will continue to experience significant improvements.
He emphasized that the ongoing interventions go beyond renovation, noting that the facilities are also being equipped with essential infrastructure and resources, including 15KVA solar power systems, water supply, medical equipment, and other critical healthcare necessities to enhance functionality and ensure the delivery of quality healthcare services to residents.