The Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Osoikhai Oahimire, held a general meeting with staff at the Agency’s headquarters on the 4th of March, 2025. The meeting took place at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA).
Dr. Oahimire explained that the purpose of the meeting was to engage with staff, understand their challenges, and explore ways to improve the Agency’s operations. The meeting was attended by management and staff from the headquarters.
During the session, staff raised several concerns, including:
- Lack of personnel in many departments and units.
- The need for training and retraining for departments and units that provide support to clinical teams.
- Delayed promotions and advancements for eligible staff.
- Exclusion of some departments and units from the Agency’s capital budget.
- An urgent need for newly recruited staff to resume duty due to workforce shortages.
- Lack of vehicles for logistics and supervision of primary healthcare centers.
The Executive Secretary responded to these concerns, providing updates on ongoing efforts:
He stated, “the posting process for newly recruited staff is underway, and they will soon receive their posting to their place of primary assignments to help address staff shortages.”
Regarding promotions, the Director of Administration and Supplies (DASS) assured staff that once the central administration announces a date for training and evaluation, the Agency will inform employees. Those who pass will be promoted.
The ES informed staff that the Agency has requested more vehicles to aid supportive supervision and is hopeful that the vehicles will be provided soon to improve field operations.
In his words, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Governor Okpebhollo, is very passionate about primary healthcare, as it is the grassroots and the foundation of the healthcare system. We have requested for logistic support to aid our field operations.
He concluded the meeting by encouraging staff to remain committed to their duties and work together to fulfill the Agency’s mandate of improving healthcare services for the people of Edo State.
