The Edo State Government has commissioned the brand-new Edo State University Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of the State, for the commencement of medical and healthcare services.
The State Deputy Governor, Rt.Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, who unveiled the hospital on behalf of Governor Godwin Obaseki, stated that the former Auchi Central Hospital has been re-designed, equipped and fortified to serve the medical needs of not just the residents, but Nigerians in general.
Shaibu noted that the hospital will begin three days of free medical care, irrespective of tribe, religion or ethnicity.
He added that Edo State also supports health insurance for all civil and public servants.
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According to him, the importance of the teaching hospital was to provide quality healthcare delivery and well-being -to the people of Edo State in particular Nigerians in general.
He said: “what we see here today is lots of sacrifices that sought the attention of the State Government, who decided to invest heavily in this particular project. Its importance as a teaching center for students of Edo State University, Uzairue College of Medical Sciences and the well-being of the people informed its establishment.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of the University, Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, emphasized that one of the basic goals of Edo State University Teaching Hospital was to foster an environment of collaboration and mutual learning as a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and learn from the experience of others, as well as get inspired by the grand-breaking research and achievements that would be shared within the academic community, particularly Edo State University students.
Prof. Aluyor promised that he and his staff would do everything humanly possible to ensure the hospital was positioned to a level where it will be globally competitive.
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The Deputy Governor performed the ground breaking for the construction of a paediatric unit, accident and emergency ward, including additional theater within the teaching hospital premises.
The three days of medical care will include; free medical (physical) examination, routine investigation of blood glucose and urine tests, minor surgery (for the next one month), counselling/medical advice and free drugs for common illnesses.
The venues for the free medical services are: Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, Edo State University Medical Health Center, Iyamoh-Uzairue and Edo State Comprehensive Health Center, Ivioghe in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.