Urbanscoopnews reporting 

The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, Dr. Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, has led a delegation of medical leaders and stakeholders on a courtesy visit to the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, seeking stronger collaboration between the Association, the Ministry and the Edo State Government.

The visit, held in Benin City shortly after the Edo NMA Ordinary General Meeting at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss doctors’ welfare, healthcare delivery, professional regulation and critical challenges confronting the state’s health sector.

Dr. Eigbedion commended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration for several interventions, including the implementation of the revised CONMESS salary structure for doctors, promotion of previously stagnated doctors, the proposed increase in doctors’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years, renovation of the House Officers’ Quarters at Ezoti Lane, refund of one year’s housing allowance deducted from doctors’ salaries, and the option for doctors employed before 2017 to return to the old pension scheme.

He, however, appealed for speedy implementation of outstanding policies, stressing that prompt action would boost the morale, productivity and sense of belonging of medical personnel.

The NMA chairman also appreciated Commissioner Oshiomhole for sponsoring a congratulatory billboard celebrating his emergence as Edo NMA chairman, describing the gesture as more than a congratulatory message but a demonstration of respect for the Association and an indication of the partnership required to advance healthcare delivery in Edo State.

Dr. Eigbedion further appealed for greater government participation in NMA programmes and requested government support for the Association’s mobility, noting that Edo NMA currently has no official vehicle. He specifically called for the provision of at least two buses to enhance the Association’s ability to effectively discharge its responsibilities.

On healthcare delivery, the NMA commended the government’s free malaria testing and treatment programme, distribution of malaria kits and medications to private practitioners, construction of the 150-bed hospital at Udomi, increased health-sector allocation in the 2026 budget to about nine per cent, reported ₦2.5 billion support for a Paediatrics Centre at UBTH, and the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres across the state through government and partner interventions.

The Association also appealed for the equipping and commencement of operations at the completed Paediatric Emergency Complex at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, estimated to require about ₦500 million in equipment, as well as the resolution of bureaucratic challenges delaying the full commencement of operations at Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City.

Dr. Eigbedion raised concerns over multiple taxation affecting private medical practitioners and called for a more coordinated and business-friendly regulatory environment. He equally advocated greater synergy among senior managers and agencies within the health sector, warning that silo operations could undermine coordination and ultimately affect patient care.

Reaffirming the NMA’s commitment to fighting quackery, he disclosed that the Association would strengthen its collaboration with EdoHERMA and the Ministry of Health by issuing appropriate letters of introduction as part of measures to improve professional regulation and protect the public from unqualified practitioners.

Receiving the delegation, Commissioner Oshiomhole was joined by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Paul Ikhuemosa Eighemhenrio mni, Director of Medical Services, Dr. Edward Aisowierien, Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr. Osagie Igbinigie, and other senior officials of the Ministry.

The approximately one-hour meeting ended cordially with a group photograph, meet-and-greet session and presentation of NMA souvenirs to the Commissioner.

In a statement issued by the Edo NMA Public Relations Officer, Dr. Alari-Enoma Edosa, on behalf of the Dr. Andrew Eigbedion-led State Officers Committee 2026–2028, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with government while continuing to advocate for doctors’ welfare, improved healthcare delivery, professional regulation and a better-coordinated health system for the people of Edo State.