Davidson Ogbebor

The Edo State Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) has called on residents to verify the registration status of private healthcare facilities before seeking treatment, as the agency marks five months of operation.

The agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide, made the appeal in a statement, stressing that the measure is aimed at protecting residents from unsafe and substandard healthcare services while strengthening public confidence in the state’s health sector through effective regulation and monitoring.

She recalled that EDOHERMA was established after Governor Monday Okpebholo assented to the Edo State Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency Bill on December 5, 2025, to regulate all establishments where health-related procedures are carried out across the state.

According to her, the agency was created to address regulatory gaps that had enabled unregistered operators and unqualified individuals to provide health-related services without adequate oversight.

Dr. Urhoghide advised residents to confirm the registration status of private hospitals, clinics and other health-related establishments through the Health Facilities Search tool on the agency’s website before receiving treatment.

She said no resident should patronise any private healthcare facility that is not listed on the EDOHERMA register, noting that choosing registered and compliant facilities safeguards patients and their families from unsafe and substandard care.

The EDOHERMA boss also warned that the agency would intensify its crackdown on unverified health advertisements, particularly those promoted by self-acclaimed traditional healers and unregistered practitioners on radio and television stations.

She urged broadcast organisations to demand evidence of EDOHERMA approval before airing health-related advertisements, describing the measure as part of the agency’s efforts to eliminate quackery and sanitise the healthcare sector.

Dr. Urhoghide added that the Edo State Government is positioning the state as a credible destination for medical tourism by improving healthcare standards, ensuring functional medical equipment and strengthening the verification of health professionals.

She noted that EDOHERMA is one of the flagship initiatives under the health component of Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which also prioritises security, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture, and education.

Reflecting on the agency’s five-month milestone, Dr. Urhoghide said the achievement underscores the state government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare regulation, enhancing patient safety and ensuring that residents have access to safe, quality and professionally regulated healthcare services.