The Edo state government has handed over a 24 hecters of land to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for the building and establishment of the National Obstetrics Fistula Center Benin.
The handing over was done after Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Minister of state Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako signed an agreement for the establishment of the Hospital in Government House, Benin City.
The National Obstetrics Fistula Center Benin was established by the Federal Government in May 2023 to provide medical services to vesicovaginal fistula patients in the south south region.
According the the Minister, the hospital could not properly take off due to non cooperation from the then state government led by Godwin Obaseki.
Dr Ishiak noted that with just 3 months in Office, governor Monday Okpebholo has provided a temporary site for operations which has helped the center to kick start operations, with over one thousand successful surgeries so far.
The Minister noted that the federal government currently has a program for free management of fistula which includes surgery and psychological support for patients to over come the stigma associated with the illness.
On his part, Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the federal government for bringing healthcare closer to the people.
He noted that Edo was lucky to host the center for the south south people and promised his administration’s support for the effective take off and running of the center.
It is estimated that Nigeria records about 12 thousand new cases of vesicovaginal fistula, VVF every year.
