The Edo State Government has made malaria testing and treatment free in all government-owned hospitals as part of a major healthcare intervention aimed at improving access to quality medical services across the state.

The announcement was made in Benin City by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Andrew Iyamu, during the state government’s monthly media briefing. He said Governor Monday Okpebholo approved the policy to ensure residents can receive malaria diagnosis and treatment without financial constraints.

According to Iyamu, the programme will run for an initial two years, after which the government will review its implementation and impact.

“Any government hospital you go, you don’t pay for malaria testing and treatment. It is free. The arrangement is for two years; after two years, the policy will be reviewed,” Iyamu said.

As part of the broader healthcare improvement programme, the state has also renovated 100 health centres comprising 65 Primary Health Centres across the 18 local government areas and 35 secondary health centres.

The government said the rehabilitation is intended to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, improve access to essential medical services and provide better facilities for residents, particularly in underserved communities.

Iyamu further disclosed that the administration has recruited about 1,000 health workers to improve staffing levels across public health facilities, while the previously dormant Eneghede General Hospital has also been renovated alongside doctors’ residential quarters.

The latest intervention forms part of Edo State’s wider drive to expand healthcare access, reduce the burden of malaria and strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure across the state.