Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, on Tuesday called on the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria to leverage research and scientific findings to advance public health, including the establishment of a vaccine manufacturing company in the state.
Idahosa made the remarks while receiving the Edo State Chapter of AMLSN at his office in Benin, acting on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo. He commended the scientists for their contributions to medical interventions that have strengthened the state’s health sector.
Highlighting Okpebholo’s campaign manifesto and the five-point SHINE Agenda, Idahosa said, “After security, health is number two. We are laying so much emphasis on health. Edo State is going to be happy with what we are going to do with the health sector.”
He assured the group that the government would work closely with health sector think tanks to address pressing challenges.
“As a government, we would look at the best way to proffer solutions to some of the challenges in the health sector. I will urge the association to research and channel scientific findings to boost public health by setting up a vaccine manufacturing company in the state,” he said.
Idahosa noted with concern that Nigeria still lacks a vaccine manufacturing industry, describing it as “the heartbeat of the nation” and urging proactive efforts to position Edo State as a pioneer in this space.
Speaking earlier, Edo State AMLSN Chapter Chairman, Dr. Ekhaguere Ehigie, congratulated the state government on its electoral and legal victories, and highlighted challenges affecting laboratory practice in Nigeria.
He advocated for the establishment of modern molecular laboratories and the adoption of nanotechnology to enhance disease diagnosis, ensure accurate laboratory results, and strengthen public health monitoring and surveillance.
It can be recalled that PUNCH Online on August 28 reported that the Director General of the Edo State Health Insurance Commission, Augusta Ikpea, had urged residents to register with the National Identity Number scheme to enable them to access free health care under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund Programme of the Federal Government across all primary healthcare centres in the country.
With initiatives like vaccine manufacturing, modern laboratory facilities, and improved health access, Edo State is positioning itself as a model for innovative, citizen-centred healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
