Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo on Friday announced that the Stella Obasanjo 270-bed hospital would be inaugurated in October.

Mr Obaseki disclosed during a media tour of the hospital in Benin that the facility was 90 per cent completed and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to meet healthcare needs in and beyond the state.

“We will commission this hospital in October, and before the governor leaves office, the hospital will be operational,” said Mr Obaseki,  represented by Stanley Ehiahinmwian, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health.

Mr Obaseki emphasised that only a few items remained to be fixed, adding that the hospital could start operations if necessary.

“So, the issues of manpower will be adequately taken care of; exposure to international best practices and standards—everything has been adequately taken care of,” Mr Obaseki added.

He reiterated that the hospital would be accessible to all, adding that the Edo Insurance Commission offered the state residents affordable healthcare services.

“Edo Insurance Commission provides healthcare access without out-of-pocket expenses. Residents with their RIN can use the facilities.

“As long as you are registered here, you have access to this place.

“For those who didn’t register, if you are a resident of Edo State and have your Resident Insurance Number, RIN, you are qualified to access the health facilities with it,” the governor said.

(NAN)