The Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Osoikhia, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, towards improving healthcare delivery in the state, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

Dr Osoikhia stated this when a five man delegation of the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency paid a courtesy visit to the newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Edo State Branch, Dr. Andrew Eigbedion, on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

The delegation was led by Dr Morgan-Owobu Omokpia. Other members of the delegation included Dr Ehizele Aimua, Dr Caleb Adebayo, Dr Pierre Oriaifo and Dr Juliet Okoebor.

The visit was primarily to congratulate Dr. Eigbedion and his newly elected executive team on their successful election and to explore areas of stronger collaboration between the two institutions.

During the interaction, the EDPHCDA delegation expressed the desire for an improved and more inclusive relationship with the Edo NMA, particularly with respect to doctors working within the primary healthcare system. The team also sought greater participation and inclusion of Primary Healthcare Doctors in the activities of the Edo State NMA.

The delegation further presented a congratulatory picture frame to Dr. Eigbedion as a goodwill gift to mark his emergence as Chairman of the Association.

Responding, Dr. Eigbedion expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Secretary and the PHCDA delegation for the courtesy visit, congratulatory gesture and gift. He described the visit as a demonstration of the importance both institutions attach to the welfare of doctors and the advancement of healthcare delivery in Edo State.

Dr Eigbedion further acknowledged the efforts of the Edo State Government through the headship of His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo in his recent revitalization of 61 Primary Healthcare Centres in Edo State since his assumption of office.

The Edo NMA Chairman assured the delegation that his administration would work closely with the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency through a number of collaborative initiatives, including Public Health Advocacy, Medical Outreaches, Manpower development, Technical exchanges and other programmes aimed at improving healthcare services across the state. Dr Eigbedion referenced the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organized by the Management of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital where he led the Department of Paediatrics as their Head of Department to build capacity in 200 Primary Healthcare personnel in Edo Central Senatorial District through the Helping Babies Breathe and Essential Newborn Care Workshop as a testament to more things to come in his tenure as the Edo NMA Chairman.

On the issue of the inclusion of Primary Healthcare Doctors in the activities of the Association, Dr. Eigbedion expressed confidence that doctors working under the EDPHCDA are affiliated with the NMA through the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP). He assured the delegation that his administration would facilitate their appropriate inclusion in the Edo NMA State Executive Council in accordance with the provisions of the Edo NMA Rules and Regulations.

He also assured the EDPHCDA team that the Edo NMA leadership would engage the relevant authorities to ensure that doctors’ NMA dues deducted from source are appropriately and promptly remitted to the coffers of the Edo NMA Treasury.

The newly elected Edo NMA Treasurer, Dr. Henrietta Ugbeni, also expressed appreciation to the EDPHCDA team for the support extended to her during the recently concluded NMA elections. She pledged to work assiduously with the Chairman and other members of the Executive to deliver meaningful and enduring legacy projects throughout their tenure.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to reaffirm their shared commitment to improving the health system in Edo State and promoting a stronger working relationship between Medical Practitioners in the Primary Healthcare System and the wider NMA structure.

The visit was rounded off with a photo session involving the EDPHCDA delegation and the newly elected Edo NMA leadership.