Patient Referrals: USAID-IHP Donates 187 Smartphones, Others To Ebonyi

The United States Agency for International Development’s Integrated Health Programme (USAID-IHP) has donated 187 smart desk phones, solar panels and USB charger cable to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health in support of the two-way referral and data reporting for its health programme in the State.

Receiving the gadgets worth over N37.8million on behalf of the State Government, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma Nnanna, expressed concern over cases of death of pregnant women and children recorded at different primary health facilities in the State, warning health workers against handling cases they are not competent to handle.

The Commissioner, represented by the State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Mrs. Mary-Jane Ikenwobodo, also warned against late referral of patients to secondary health facilities for proper care and treatment, adding that the state government frowns at such attitude by some health workers in the state.

“One of our major problems in our rural health facilities is the late referral of patients to secondary health facilities. Some health facility officers in charge delay in making referrals, and by the time the patient gets to the secondary health facilities, the case must have degenerated.

“So, I urge all of you to ensure the early referral of patients. Don’t keep a patient longer than necessary. Don’t handle cases that you know you are not competent to handle. The USAID-IHP has made provision for these phones and solar panels, basically, for you to refer patients that are in critical condition.

“We have had cases of people diverting government and donor agency’s items to their private hospitals. Let me warn that the state government will not hesitate to sanction any health worker who divert the phones and solar panels to their private facilities,” he declared.

Mrs. Ikenwobodo commended USAID-IHP for the gesture and promised that the State government will continue to partner with the agency to ensure efficient healthcare delivery in the State.

Presenting the gadgets to the Ministry, the USAID-IHP State Technical Director, Dr. Bartholomew Odio, noted that apart from making calls with the phones for referrals, the phones will also be used to track patients, especially those on appointments at the health facilities.

“Referral is very key to our health system. The phones will help to stop the poor indexes we have in our country today. With the phones, you don’t have any reason not to refer patients. I urge you not to allow any pregnant woman to stay in your facility to the detriment of the woman and the unborn baby.

“We are hopeful that the phones will be judiciously used. The smartphones will not just be used only for referral. You will also use it to ensure that pregnant women coming for antenatal are reminded of their appointment,” she stated.

Speaking on behalf of other officers in-charge of the Primary Health Facilities in the State, Mrs. Uzoamaka Oduma said that the donated gadgets will help to save the lives of many pregnant women and children in the state.

She urged other OICs not to use the three-month recharge card for personal use, but for the purpose for which the agency made it available