By Edward Oseghe
BENIN CITY – Edo Specialist Hospital (ESH) has marked its seventh anniversary with the launch of a free eye care programme, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare while celebrating another major milestone with the presentation of its West African College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (WACOG) Accreditation Certificate.
The commemorative event attracted top government officials, healthcare administrators and stakeholders from across the state, underscoring the hospital’s growing role in advancing healthcare delivery in Edo State.
The State Coordinator of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Edo State, Dr. Theodore Ehannire, joined the Chief Medical Director of Edo Specialist Hospital, Associate Professor Enibokun Njoku; the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Victor Ohenhen; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Iyamu; and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Edo State Government, Dr. Alile, who represented the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, at the flag-off of the free eye care service.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ehannire commended Edo Specialist Hospital for sustaining high standards of healthcare delivery over the past seven years, describing the institution as a critical partner in the drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
He said the hospital’s decision to commemorate its anniversary with a free eye care outreach reflects a patient-centred approach to healthcare and aligns with the NHIA’s vision of ensuring equitable access to quality and affordable health services for all Nigerians.
“The free eye care initiative is a commendable intervention because it takes essential healthcare directly to the people, particularly those who may not have the financial means to seek specialist eye services. It demonstrates that quality healthcare can be both accessible and impactful when institutions are committed to serving the public,” he said.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the hospital’s WACOG Accreditation Certificate by the Chief Medical Director, Associate Professor Njoku, to the Deputy Governor’s representative, symbolising the institution’s growing recognition as a centre of excellence for postgraduate medical training and specialist healthcare.
Dr. Ehannire congratulated the management of Edo Specialist Hospital on securing the West African College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (WACOG) Accreditation Certificate, describing the achievement as a significant milestone that would strengthen specialist healthcare delivery and medical training in Edo State and across the region.
“This accreditation is not only a testament to the hospital’s commitment to excellence but also an affirmation of the quality of its facilities, workforce and training capacity. It will contribute immensely to developing the next generation of specialist healthcare professionals while improving healthcare outcomes for our people,” he added.
The anniversary celebration also drew other prominent personalities, including the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, and the Chairman, Edo State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Dr. Richard Edosa, alongside other healthcare professionals and stakeholders.
The free eye care initiative forms part of the hospital’s efforts to improve access to essential health services while reinforcing its commitment to delivering quality, affordable and specialised medical care to residents of Edo State.
Dr. Ehannire reaffirmed the National Health Insurance Authority’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with healthcare providers across Edo State to expand health insurance coverage, improve service delivery and ensure that more residents have access to quality healthcare without suffering financial hardship, noting that strategic partnerships remain essential to achieving universal health coverage and improving the overall health indices of the state.
