The Edo Central Zone of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) held its Annual General Meeting on 8 April 2025 in a ceremony marked by pomp, purpose, and an ambitious call for reform. Hosted at the Gold Royal Event Centre in Ebhoakhuala, Ekpoma, the meeting brought together leaders in the private healthcare sector alongside state and international health officials, all unified in a shared vision to elevate healthcare delivery in Edo State.
With 45 participants—36 attending in person and nine joining virtually—the gathering reflected the rising influence and organisational strength of private medical practitioners in the region. Among the notable attendees were the ANPMP National President, Dr Kayode Adesola; former National President and past Pro-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Dr Frank Odafen; Edo State ANPMP Chairman, Dr Godfrey Imuetinyan; and stalwarts such as Dr Festus Aisabokhale, Dr Joseph Ikheloa and Dr Osita Nwokike.
Representatives from the World Health Organization, the Edo State Disease Epidemiology Division, the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the Institute of Lassa Fever and Research Centre at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital were also in attendance, underscoring the importance of private-public partnerships in addressing health challenges.
In his welcome address, Edo Central ANPMP Zonal Chairman, Dr Andrew Eigbedion, outlined the achievements of his administration over the past year. He highlighted improvements in morbidity and mortality rates, expanded access to immunisation, and the delivery of quality surgical and medical services across the region. However, he decried the burden of multiple taxation imposed by various government agencies on private practitioners, urging the Edo State Government to introduce tax reliefs for members of the association.
“Our members play a critical role in ensuring healthcare reaches underserved communities. It is only fair that government policies reflect our contribution through supportive tax frameworks,” Dr Eigbedion said.
In a goodwill message, National President Dr Kayode Adesola lauded the Edo Central Chapter for boosting the visibility of the ANPMP through sustained activity. He shared updates on the long-awaited increase in capitation and fee-for-service tariffs under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), attributing the milestone to the advocacy efforts of the national executive. The new tariffs, the first adjustment in 13 years, are set for implementation in April.
“This achievement stands on the shoulders of many years of advocacy,” Dr Adesola said. “But it is not enough—we must ensure regular reviews that reflect current economic realities.”
Dr Godfrey Imuetinyan, Edo State Chairman of the association, echoed the call for tax reforms while applauding the efforts of the Edo Central leadership. He also pointed to ongoing collaborations with the Edo State Ministry of Health to root out quackery within the healthcare system.
The meeting’s scientific session featured three critical lectures focused on disease surveillance and workplace ethics. Dr Osas Edeawe of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital presented an overview of Lassa Fever in Nigeria, introducing a new management algorithm for early detection and treatment. He encouraged practitioners to incorporate the strategy into their clinical practices.
Dr Blessing Aideyan, the Edo State Disease Epidemiologist, reported 44 confirmed Lassa Fever cases and seven deaths in Edo Central since December 2024, warning of persistent underdiagnosis. She stressed the need for high clinical suspicion, especially in patients with unremitting fever despite standard treatment, and reminded practitioners that PCR testing for Lassa Virus remains free at the Irrua Institute.
Mrs Grace Ireotoi of the WHO delivered a timely presentation on preventing and reporting sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PRSEAH) in the workplace, urging healthcare providers to uphold ethical standards and prioritise patient dignity.
The meeting concluded with the distribution of gift items to all participants, a commemorative group photograph, and a business session where strategies for the coming year were outlined. As the event closed at 6pm, the message was clear: private practitioners in Edo Central are not only expanding healthcare access—they are demanding recognition, reform, and results.
