Edo Moves Against Quackery as EDOHERMA Takes Over Health

Oversight

By Elvis Omoregie, Benin 

The Monday Okpebholo has commenced a comprehensive reform of Edo State’s health governance structure with the signing of the Edo State Health Regulation and Monitoring Agency (EDOHERMA) Bill into law on December 5, 2025.

The new law establishes EDOHERMA as the sole statutory body responsible for monitoring, licensing and regulating healthcare services and health-related establishments across the state.

The agency, which began operations less than three months after its establishment, represents a major shift from the previous system where regulatory functions were domiciled within the Ministry of Health. Under the new framework, oversight now extends beyond hospitals and clinics to include hotels, restaurants, lounges, salons and spas where procedures with health implications are performed.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, in Benin City, the Chief Executive Officer of EDOHERMA, Dr. Adesuwa Urhoghide, described the reform as a strategic step towards strengthening standards, eliminating quackery and restoring public confidence in healthcare delivery.

She explained that establishments offering services such as tooth whitening, cosmetic treatments and other invasive procedures must now operate strictly under the supervision of licensed health professionals. According to her, the era of loosely regulated health-related services in Edo State has come to an end.

Dr. Urhoghide further disclosed that the state government aims to position Edo as a viable destination for medical tourism by enforcing standardised clinical protocols, ensuring certified personnel and mandating functional equipment in all facilities.

The agency also warned against unverified health advertisements, particularly those by self-acclaimed traditional healers and unregistered practitioners making questionable claims on radio and television. Media organisations were urged to demand proof of EDOHERMA approval before airing health-related promotions.

In his remarks, Chairman of the NUJ Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, expressed concern over reports of facilities allegedly registered with the credentials of absentee medical professionals, as well as individuals falsely presenting themselves as qualified doctors without completing accredited training.

Observers noted that such practices have led to avoidable complications, emergency referrals and fatalities, thereby eroding public trust and increasing medico-legal risks within the sector.

Responding, the agency assured that routine inspections, personnel verification and equipment audits would form part of its institutional framework. It emphasised that its regulatory mandate is intended as a protective and collaborative measure rather than a punitive campaign.

To enhance transparency and citizen participation, EDOHERMA is set to introduce an anti-quackery feedback system, including dedicated hotlines and QR-enabled complaint channels to allow anonymous reporting of erring professionals, facilities or even regulatory officials.

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