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Edo health sector in shambles, says Ize-Iyamu

By Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu and Michael Egbejule, Benin City
20 September 2016   |   4:10 am
The healthcare of Edo residents would be on the front burner if the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is elected as governor.
Osagie Ize-Iyamu

Osagie Ize-Iyamu

AA, ACD candidates step down for him

The healthcare of Edo residents would be on the front burner if the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu is elected as governor.

This was disclosed when the candidate met with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) at the weekend.

He said the PDP would ensure that the health of all residents is given prompt attention by partnering the NMA to resolve issues that constitute a draw back.

The candidate said: “Anybody who values human life will not want a strike from doctors, let alone one that lasts for two months. Whatever arrears that the state government owes the doctors, the outgoing governor has about a month or two to pay them. But if he fails, which is very likely, it would be my priority to settle them.

“Doctors are key to the success of my administration and we will do everything possible to work harmoniously with them. They are extremely important to the wellbeing of our state and it makes a lot of sense to deal with issues affecting them decisively.”

Ize-Iyamu promised that his healthcare agenda would ensure that all primary health centres in the state are rehabilitated.

He added that health facilities would be better equipped with personnel, drugs and living quarters, so that doctors can accept to serve outside the urban centres.

The candidate berated the deplorable condition of the state’s Sickle Cell Centre, which was established by the PDP government, but abandoned by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ize-Iyamu explained that in the last eight years, the state Hospital Management Board has not employed any doctor.

According to him, there are currently no pathologists, psychiatrists or dermatologists on the board’s pay roll, which he blamed on lack of vision by the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole.

The candidate also expressed concern at the neglect of the state School of Nursing that has been de-accredited since 2011 due to inadequate funding.

Meanwhile, two governorship candidates yesterday announced their stepping down for Ize-Iyamu.

They are the candidates of the Action Alliance (AA), Paul Ofomile and that of the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), Andrew Igwemoh.

The candidates made the declaration at a PDP rally in Okpella, in Etsako East Local Council area.

According to them, Ize-Iyamu was better prepared for leadership than the other contestants.

The ACD candidate said it would have been easier for him to align with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki, but the issue of who governs the state was not a “brotherly affair.”

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