Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has sworn in Dr Patrick Okundia as the new commissioner for health.
Until his appointment, Okundia was the chief medical director of Stella Obasanjo Hospital.
He was sworn in on Thursday during the weekly state executive council meeting held at the Government House in Benin.
Okundia now has the mandate to drive full implementation of the State Health Improvement Programme (Edo HIP).
Mr Obaseki had three months ago dropped some commissioners and reshuffled his cabinet.
He said that expectations from the new commissioner were high, considering his experience and familiarity with the Edo HIP.
“We decided to get someone in the system who is familiar with government processes to champion our health policies and our expectations are high.
“You have the opportunity to work with us in the formulation of Edo HIP and we have a lot of hope in you that we will make success in our Edo HIP,” he said.
Okundia pledged commitment to the full implementation of Edo HIP, adding that it would make the state the healthcare hub in the country.
The commissioner said that with the permission of the governor, he would introduce a routine medical checkup for members of the state executive council.
