The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole has disclosed plans by the Edo State Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of to privatise Edo Specialist hospital in Benin City and make the heath facility accessible to all residents in the State if Candidate of the party, Senator Monday Okpebholo wins the September 21st governorship poll.
The multi-billion 120- bed capacity which was built with tax payers money during his second tenure of Oshiomhole as Governor and inaugurated by Muhammadu Buhari, was privatized by his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki-led government, which also demolished Central hospital Complex beside the health facility and allocated the land for the proposed Museum for West Africa Arts (MOWAA) project.
Oshiomhole who issued the threat at Edo APC governorship campaign on Saturday August 24th 2024 in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the State, stated that next government will carried out a comprehensive Audit about the transactions on the privatization regarding the hospital administration, Management as well as ensure that culprits behind the alleged fraudulent deal that makes healthcare accessible only to the rich are prosecuted.
Oshiomhole accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of deploying Consultants without knowledge of hospital Management in running the Specialist hospital solely for purpose of revenue generation and warned private business associates of in government in the deal prepare for the soon to come hour of reckoning.
He revealed that the APC government would also engaged experienced Architects and convert the ongoing MOWAA as extension of the Specialist hospital in order to fit into the initial plan for a benefiting healthcare system that renders Medical services to all Edo people at cheap prices.
He stated that the APC-led government would ensure that royalties from Europe that were forcefully confiscated from the Benin Royal Court in the transactions relating to MOWAA by the current administration would be reviewed by ensuring that the Benin Royal Museum is built at the approved location.
Oshiomhole said, “we built a 5-star hospital with equipment and President Muhammadu Buhari came to commission it before the end of my tenure. Obaseki rather than throw it open to Edo people, he went and hired Consultants who are not hospital Management experts.
“He (Obaseki) had a deal with them. They (Consultants) are not from Edo State. If you have money, you go, they will charge to render service to you. If you do not have money, you either go to a private hospital to die or you will go to Stella Obasanjo hospital in Benin for treatment.
“That hospital (Edo Specialist) at the time of constructing it, was meant for everyone. It was never in my contemplation that it should be reserved for the rich. Monday Okpebholo will return it.
“So, we are warning the Consultants. We have all the items we procured. The company that procured the equipment is still in existence.
“We will do Audit. And if any of those people steal one bit out of the place, they will end up in prison.
“The hospital will be returned to the people of Edo State. Rich and poor will not be charged differently from what Stella Obasanjo hospital charge for treatment”, according to Oshiomhole.
The APC governorship Candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo and former Deputy Governor in the State, Mr Pius Odubu who also aligned with Oshiomhole proposal, berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government in the State for demolishing Edo State Library complex on Sapele Road in Benin City while the land was converted to a Multinational company.
Addressing APC members and supporters at the rally, Senator Monday Okpebholo, promise to deliver on his campaign promises including Agriculture, health and Education if he is given the mandate.
He also promised women/ youth employment and road rehabilitation as well as work with traditional and religious Organizations to delivering good governance.
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