The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has appealed to the Edo State Ministry of Health to incorporate direct budgetary subventions for the association into its annual fiscal allocations to strengthen collaborative healthcare delivery.
Newly inaugurated Edo NMA Chairman, Dr Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, made the call during his maiden address at a press conference held at Doctors’ House in Benin City.
Dr Eigbedion, who emphasised that the NMA operates as a development partner rather than an opposition entity, specifically urged the Edo State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, to be intentional about integrating subventions for the state branch into future annual budgetary preparations.
According to Dr Eigbedion, formal financial support from the state government would enhance the association’s capacity to partner with public health authorities in designing, monitoring, and evaluating healthcare policies. He noted that structured budgetary backing would also empower the NMA to better support statewide health campaigns, public enlightenment initiatives, emergency responses, and government health programs across all 18 local government areas of Edo State.
Reaffirming the medical body’s commitment to constructive engagement, Dr Eigbedion stated that the NMA remains dedicated to evaluating and executing policies aimed at improving statewide health outcomes.