Edo govt warns private healthcare providers against exceeding approved capacity

By Osho Olatomiwa

The Edo State Healthcare Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) has warned private healthcare providers against offering services beyond their approved capacity, stressing the importance of qualified personnel and strict compliance with regulatory standards.

The agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide-Edigin, gave the warning during a meeting with members of the Association of Private Community Health Specialists and General Practitioners of Nigeria, led by its chairman, Mr U. O. Idamwhehosa, in Benin City.

Urhoghide-Edigin said healthcare facilities must operate within their approved scope of practice and engage appropriately qualified professionals whenever additional expertise is required. She added that primary healthcare facilities must be duly registered and comply with established standards to protect patients and prevent unqualified practice.

She also called on stakeholders to bridge divisions within the health sector and strengthen collaboration, announcing plans to organise a Health Standards Summit to address professional responsibilities, service boundaries and healthcare regulation.

In his remarks, Idamwhehosa called for clearer guidelines on the registration and operation of private primary healthcare posts and clinics.

He explained that, under the existing structure of primary healthcare practice, clinics are expected to be headed by medical doctors, while primary health posts are managed by qualified community health practitioners.

According to him, the facilities provide basic healthcare services, including antenatal care, deliveries and treatment of common ailments, while referring cases beyond their capacity to higher-level healthcare facilities.

Both parties expressed their commitment to sustained engagement with relevant health authorities to clarify operational requirements and strengthen primary healthcare standards across Edo State.