Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has said Nigeria is still among the worst health Indices on earth, regarding child maternal and road accident despite considerable expenditure in the health sector
Ehanire said this weekend in Benin during the inauguration of the South-South Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery(SSTLC) organised by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
“Nigeria still among the worst health indices on earth, regarding child, Maternal and even road traffic accidents, despite considerable expenditure on health. Most of this happens in rural areas with no health care, but plenty of ignorance”.
He said though the nation has made significant progress in improving primary health care services, especially with revitalization of more primary healthcare centers, with the federal government policy of leaving no one behind.
He added that much work still need to be done, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where access to health care services remains a major challenge.
He said the committee was to fast-track ways to promote health and prevent disease among the people, with scientifically proven ways and means in modern health care and also strengthen delivery of healthcare services to all citizens at grassroots level.
Dr. Osagie said the committee will harness the knowledge and experience in community mobilization, health promotion, disease prevention and surveillance, to improve interest and trust in primary health care service in the zone and Nigeria at large.
He said the federal government with cooperation of State and Local governments would have one functional next-generation PHC per Ward,with Staff quarters and solar power, potable water supply, Keke ambulance and full complement of Staff, including midwives, for 24 hour shift duty.
Earlier, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, NPHDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, charged the traditional Rulers in the zone to give priority to Primary Health Care, promote immunization and other healthcare services in their communities.
He said a sustainable Primary Health Care delivery system is key in enhancing wellness of the people at the grassroot level.
He assured that NPHCDA would ensure regular consultations and empower the traditional institution with credible information on immunization, and the status of other PHC programmes within the zone
Also speaking Dr. Josephine Obayagbona ,Zonal Director, South South National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the committee will serve as a platform for collaboration, information sharing, and the development of strategies tailored to the specific needs of our communities.
