Reconstruction and Accreditation of Edo State School of Nursing and Midwifery: A Good Gesture Worthy of Applause.

By Efe Igbinosa

Let me begin this missive by a quote culled from an article written by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu on the 3rd of July, 2015.  

" We appeal to the State government to engage the medical stakeholders to assist in designing a blueprint for the efficient running of the hospital otherwise it could just be another beautiful political project that could also, God forbid, die an untimely death. The State school of Nursing and Midwifery has been de-accredited because of lack of facilities and staffing arising from poor funding. In the absence of future nurses and midwives, what hospitals are we building? A hospital is more than just a beautiful building; it demands more of functionality rather than aesthetics"

The above statement is important in laying the foundation for my missive.

Please, note that the statement by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was made while Oshiomhole was still in the saddle and before Godwin Obaseki took over the reins of power in the state. In this particular quote, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu was questioning the rationale behind the building of a new hospital wing which was dubbed "five star hospital" in the premises of the specialist hospital by the then government of Oshiomhole, when the state school of Nursing and Midwifery was no longer functioning as it ought to. It is important to put all of these into perspective, because I have noticed that some elements within the APC in Edo State are trying to deflect the compliments that the state governor is receiving for the turn-around of Edo State school of Nursing and Midwifery. They have tried to push the narratives that the school was abandoned during the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki and as such the governor cannot enjoy the praise for turning-around a school that had collapsed under his own watch. However, the quote by Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu clearly showed that the school had actually collapsed long before Obaseki was sworn in as Governor. Lack of facilities and staffs arising from poor funding had led to the collapse of the school. After all, what is a school without the requisite facilities and personnel.

 What Governor Obaseki did:

After a thorough assessment of the state of the school, Governor Godwin Obaseki in his usual manner advised against a quick fix and opted for a more elaborate but sustainable model. This is the same model that the governor has opted for in revamping all the higher institutions of learning across the state. This approach is not fashionable amongst us because we're not used to delayed gratifications. However, this is the approach we must all adopt if we are to fully appreciate the works the governor is doing in the state. The governor is taking this approach because it is inclusive to all forms of growth in maintaining needs for present generations without compromising future generations to come. This is vital in order not to repeat the Oshiomhole scenario, where we were unable to provide facilities and personnel for a school as important and strategic to our health needs as the state School of Nursing and Midwifery. No one these days seriously denies the need for sustainable best practices and the people of Edo cannot be seen to be different. The school now boast of modern edifices and state of the art facilities, which comprises of; class rooms, library, staff rooms, multi-purpose auditoriums, hostels, ICT centres, laboratories, cafeteria, sports, recreational centres, etc. etc.  Some of these facilities which hitherto were not present in the school, underscores the need for a reconstruction in order to reflect modern realities. It is this reconstruction of Edo State School of Nursing and Midwifery that has now given the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria the impetus to re-accredit the institution having met all the criteria set by the Council.

 Why Governor Obaseki is prioritizing our health

The enlightened people of Edo state who chose governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP over APC and its candidate will not be ungrateful and unappreciative as APC would want them to. The governor is determined to repay the confidence that was reposed in him at the polls by showcasing his good and enduring works to them. The revamping of Edo State School of Nursing and Midwifery that you have now witnessed with your very eyes is part of the  healthcare revolution that began in this administration years ago. The government has since put a health insurance policy in place that has been a success story,  it has also completed plans to expand Stella Obasanjo Hospital, build a mother and child medical facility, reconstruct the old specialist hospital and turn it into a modern one, and expand primary health care across the state. All these are important because If you or a loved one requires a visit to the doctor or a hospital, you want to know that the medical professionals are fully capable of handling your medical issues, the treatment facilities are kept clean, and the equipment is entirely hygienic and functioning correctly. Otherwise, your visit could add more problems to your list, including some potentially fatal consequences. As a result of these concerns, Governor Obaseki is completely focused in bequeathing a quality healthcare systemthat can be measured by six domains: safety, effectiveness, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equitability to Edo people, which they rightly deserve.