EDOHERMA CEO EMPHASIZES INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION DURING VISIT TO TRADITIONAL MEDICINE BOARD CHAIRMAN

EDOHERMA CEO EMPHASIZES INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION DURING VISIT TO TRADITIONAL MEDICINE BOARD CHAIRMAN

The Chief Executive Officer, Edo Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) Dr Adesuwa Urhoghide paid a visit to the Chairman of the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board at his office in Benin city. The visit was geared toward fostering inter-agency synergy and partnership.

During the visit, Dr Urhoghide reaffirmed EDOHERMA’s commitment to harmonious public governance, emphasizing that there is no competition between the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the state especially between health MDAs. The CEO underscored the core philosophy of collective responsibility, stating that all administrative bodies must work collaboratively toward the goal of building a better and more prosperous Edo State. 

Addressing recent public misconceptions during the engagement, Dr Urhoghide clarified that EDOHERMA has no intention of regulating traditional medicine, explicitly stating that such oversight falls entirely outside the current statutory mandate of the agency. She noted that the agency advocates for a relationship built on mutual respect and technical cooperation, emphasizing that orthodox medicine and traditional medicine should not be viewed as enemies. 

Dr Urhoghide emphasized that EDOHERMA is open to initiating joint training programs with the traditional medicine board to share knowledge and improve healthcare standards across Edo State especially in the areas of traditional birth attendants and alternative Medicine services. She also thanked Traditional medicine board chairman for the synergy in the regulation of traditional medicine adverts. 

The Chairman of the Edo State Traditional Medicine Board emphasized the critical need for a collaborative healthcare system, asserting that orthodox and unorthodox medicine can and should work together. Highlighting the value of herbs, the Chairman stated that traditional medicine should not be condemned but rather integrated into the broader health framework. 

The Chairman announced that the board has successfully trained 1,000 traditional medicine practitioners, alongside traditional birth attendants, to elevate care standards at the grassroots level. He also announced that the board is currently hosting a traditional medicine trade fair to showcase the innovations and products of local practitioners, providing them with a platform to demonstrate the efficacy and economic potential of their craft.

The Chairman revealed that the board has actively commenced the cultivation of high-value medicinal plants, including bush mango and over 40 bitter kola trees, amongs others. According to the Chairman, this agricultural initiative ensures self-sufficiency, eliminating the need to look outside the state for raw materials. He expressed a deep personal passion for the mandate of the board, noting a strong determination to leave a lasting, positive impact that will be felt across Edo State.

The visit concluded with both parties firmly pledging to work together in close partnership to ensure that the Governor's SHINE Agenda on affordable healthcare is achieved. Also to ensure sustainable progress in the health sector across Edo State.

Also present at the engagement were, the Director of Shared Services, EDOHERMA, Mrs Mary Azenabor; the Secretary, Edo State Traditional Medicine Board, Mrs ganiyat Vivian uwaifo.