Over 500 Indigents, Elderly Persons Benefit From Telemedicine Services In Edo

The Edo State Government is expanding its telemedicine services across communities in the state with over 500 indigents and elderly persons in the state receiving free medical treatment and consultancy through telemedicine.

The state recently launched its telemedicine hub within the Benin metropolis and e-clinics in rural communities across Edo, as part of the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery and end medical tourism.

The treatment of patients with the use of telemedicine is a follow-up to the earlier free medical outreach programme organised by the government in partnership with the Association of Nigeria Physicians in the Americas (ANPA).

The telemedicine project is part of reforms in the health sector, in line with the government’s plan for a decentralized healthcare system to guarantee improved access to affordable, efficient and quality healthcare to the Edo people.

Speaking to journalists at the free medical outreach for the indigents and elderly persons in Benin City, the Chief Medical Officer in Oredo Healthcare Centre, Dr Ohonba Humphrey, said the telemedicine programme is held weekly for residents across the state.

The Medical Director said the patients are being attended to by an America-based physician, Dr. Philip Osehobo, and other physicians in America.

Hailing the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his nuanced reforms in the health sector, beneficiaries of the telemedicine service, said the governor has continued to improve access to quality healthcare for citizens in the state.

One of the beneficiaries, a pensioner, Mrs. Stella Ajila, noted, “I thank God for my life and what he is doing in Edo State through Governor Obaseki. Dr. Philip Osehobo picked me out of the crowd and since then I have met with him twice via the telemedicine system. There has been an improvement in my health and by the grace of God, everything will be fine with me.

“Blood Pressure (BP) and Cholesterol have been the reason why I have been coming to this place. The BP before was reading 200 and above, but to my greatest surprise is now 131/75.

“My prayer is that God should continue to empower the Edo State Government and the Governor to continue in this regard. We are indeed proud of him.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Beatrice Oyem, said, “This programme has helped me improve my health situation. Since I have been coming here, my health has improved. My blood pressure was very bad before I started seeing doctors from this initiative.

“God will continue to provide for our government so that they will be providing for the masses. This programme has been quite impactful.”

A retiree, Mr. Osatohamwen Ogie, said with the programme, the government has been able to reach more residents, guaranteeing the delivery of quality health services to the people.