Charles Ekanem|3 August 2016
The Director General of Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr Betta Edu recently visited Bekwarra Local Government Area as part of the effort by the Governor, Sen (Prof) Ben Ayade to revitalize primary healthcare under the one roof policy in the state. The meeting also gave opportunity for the people to engage the government over new policies on health.
Speaking, the DG said health is a very important factor of human life and that is why the state Governor, His Excellency, Prof Ayade has found it necessary to keep to his electoral promises of providing quality healthcare to Bekwarra people.
According to her, Prof Ayade and his wife in partnership with Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency is bringing quality health care services to the door step of the people via mobile primary Health services while Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade is introducing mobile diagnostic clinic and will be attached with mobile healthcare program were people incapacitated in the rural areas can be reached. She also inform them of the plan of the state government to introduce State Health Insurance Scheme which in the PHC level is the Community Health Insurance Scheme. She stated that with the scheme everyone irrespective of their pocket will have access to quality healthcare services through a little contribution into one central purse. Lastly she said they have been a policy the state government in collaboration with the FG have began implementation in the state which is to establish one functional primary health center in every political ward. This according to her will reduce the traffic at teaching and general hospitals across the state.
Dr Edu submitted that the Governor has recently appointed 18 medical doctors to man the PHC's in each LGA's as part of the effort to increase manpower while assuring them of other gaps to be closed by the government.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Bekwarra LGA who was represented by Hon. Paul Omang, Leader of the Legislature noted that it's a very great move by the state to reposition primary healthcare in the local government which according to him was almost crashing due to several hindrances like inadequate manpower, water supply and electricity. He firmly believed that the assessment of facilities and town hall meeting will enable government take the right actions while also calling for the people to give support to the digital governor, Prof Ben Ayade who he noted as the father of modern primary healthcare in CRS.
Hon (Chief) Anthony Imogbo JP. former Vice Chairman of Bekwarra 1999-2003 advised the state government to increase the funding of PHCs and improve facilities in health centers while also applauding the ultimate steps taken by the governor to employ medical doctors in PHCs. He stated that the health insurance scheme is good for the state but express the fear of the past were such scheme will be diverted to personal gains. He said his people will always support the governor while thanking the DG for the visit.
The town hall meeting was attended by religious leaders, opinion leaders, traditional leaders, youths and women leaders. Hon Mattias Obogo represented the Paramount Ruler, Mrs Owan Diana A. Information officer of the council represented HOLGA. The team led by the energetic DG later proceeded to assess some health centers in Abouchiche and Adinga Ward.
Charles Ekanem
Is the media aide to the DG, State Pri Health Care Agency
