NEWISSUES
By Doris Obinna
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming public service delivery in Africa and advancing access to quality primary healthcare, has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) and HealthPort Limited.
The EDSPHCDA is the governing body responsible for the provision of primary healthcare services in Edo State, while HealthPort is a health-tech company committed to improving access to quality medical care through innovative digital solutions.
According to the foundation, this strategic partnership seeks to improve access to oxygen therapy across primary healthcare centres (PHCs) and other key facilities within Edo State.
The initiative, titled ‘Oxygen as a Service,' it said will complement the Foundation's ongoing efforts to revitalize primary healthcare centres in the state under the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility-Programme (ADHFP).
Speaking, the Foundation's Director of Funding and Partnerships, Bukky Akinsemoyin, said: “We are honoured to join forces with EDSPHCDA and HealthPort in this critical initiative. Our shared vision of enhancing access to quality primary healthcare forms the bedrock of this collaboration.
“The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is currently revitalizing 18 PHCs under the ADHFP to deliver affordable and reliable healthcare services to vulnerable populations. The Oxygen initiative seamlessly aligns with our broader goal of promoting innovative healthcare solutions across Nigeria by leveraging private sector resources. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to elevate healthcare standards in the country.”
The partnership, the foundation disclosed, aims to ensure that patients at the PHCs have seamless access to oxygen therapy as part of their medical care, thereby eliminating the need for long-distance travel to obtain such services.
It further stated that the foundation will collaborate with HealthPort to strengthen the operational capacity of the PHCs by providing specialised training for healthcare staff in the administration, management, and maintenance of oxygen plants.
“Each partner in this collaboration will contribute their unique strengths; the EDSPHCDA will facilitate access to PHCs for the delivery of essential medical and non-medical services, HealthPort will oversee the implementation and life cycle of the project and the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation will provide evidence-based technical expertise, advisory support, and strategic guidance to ensure the project's success.
“The signing of this MoU solidifies a robust partnership between the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, EDSPHCDA, and HealthPort, marking a significant step forward in the collective effort to improve access to quality primary healthcare in Edo State,” Akinsemoyin stated.
