In a significant move to enhance primary healthcare services in Enugu State, the federal government has announced an allocation of N254 million.
Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), disclosed this information in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.
He emphasized that primary healthcare is designed to provide essential services to the population based on their needs, without any geographical, social, or financial barriers.
The announcement came during Aina’s courtesy visit to Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, where he praised the state’s proactive approach to implementing federal health policies.
Aina commended Enugu for successfully recruiting 450 health workers and establishing 260 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) throughout its wards. He stated, “Investing in primary healthcare is crucial for improving health outcomes, particularly in rural areas where access to services is often limited.”
The NPHCDA is prioritizing the revitalization of PHC facilities, providing direct financing for these facilities, and retraining over 3,000 health workers. Aina also urged the state government to integrate casual health workers into the formal healthcare system to build a stable and skilled workforce essential for sustaining advancements in healthcare delivery.
He noted that the NPHCDA and the Enugu state government are collaborating to enhance the infrastructure and services of primary healthcare. The partnership aims to make substantial progress in improving access to quality healthcare for the people of Enugu State.
In December 2023, Governor Mbah announced plans for the construction of 260 PHCs across all electoral wards in the state. This commitment was reiterated during his inspection of a PHC at Ogonogoeji Ndiuno, Akpugo, in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The governor affirmed his administration’s dedication to improving healthcare delivery, ensuring that all residents have access to quality primary healthcare services. He promised to ramp up efforts until every child, mother, and elderly person in Enugu can receive better healthcare.
Mbah highlighted a significant allocation for healthcare in the state’s 2024 budget, underscoring the importance of healthcare alongside education within the social services sector.
“To tackle the challenges faced in primary healthcare, we are developing 260 world-class Type-Two PHCs in every ward,” he explained. “This consolidation of resources aims to provide round-the-clock services at each PHC, ensuring quality primary healthcare in rural communities.”
The governor also mentioned plans to upgrade nursing schools to colleges, leverage technology for electronic health management, and promote awareness about universal health insurance coverage.
