CRS holds largest meeting of all Key Stakeholders in Primary Health Care System

0
183
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Charles Ekanem|13 December 2016

Governor Ben Ayade Orders immediate movement of Primary Health Care Staff to Agency in line with PHCUOR.

In what will be considered as the largest meeting of all Primary Health Care key stakeholders in Cross River State, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen Prof. Ben Ayade, who was ably represented by his Deputy, Prof Ivara Esu while speaking at the 2 days stakeholders meeting on the one PHC per Ward Policy and immunisation services in Cross River State noted that his administration will do everything it takes to achieve universal health coverage.

Sen. Ayade ordered the immediate transfer of PHC staff to the Agency. This he said should follow the Primary Health care Staff Audit which he has approved with process on going. He said this government will ensure Primary Health care under one roof and support the revitalisation of primary health care service delivery in the state.

The Governor who spoke proudly of the state's achievements in PHC, said that government has already began the full implementation of one PHC per ward with the full renovation of 5 primary health centers, and the placement of dynamic leadership to drive the health sector. Especially the primary health system.

The governor further requested that for wards that are very large and highly populated they should have two HUB PHCs in those wards. He however noted that for now, due to the economic recession, JAC may not be able to contribute the 60% of funds stipulated in the law; however, more funding from LGA funds will be released to make PHC functional in CRS.

The governor promised to remove any impediment in the delivery of PHC services to over 70% of the people living in communities in CRS.

The governor fumed at the continuous possession of PHC Vehicles meant for PHC doctors and PHC Coordinators by some Local Government Chairmen. He mandated the Agency to send the list of those chairmen to him for immediate action and retrieval of the vehicles. He adopted the UNICEF presentation and ask the for the report to form part of the communique that will be sent to him.

He commended the DG CRSPHCDA, Commissioner of Health, Dr Ana Onebiene, Dr Comfort Ekanem, Mrs Felicia Eyaba and Rosemary Nyambi for their passion and commitment to work.

Earlier speaking, DG Cross River state primary healthcare Development Agency who was the host of the event, Thanked Governor Ben Ayade for putting PHC as his priority and helping the new Agency take the lead in Nigeria. She said the three major challenges of the Agency was the movement of PHC workers to the Agency, implementation of the PHC law which state that 60% of the funding for PHC should come from the LG funds,  implementation of one PHC per ward policy.

Commending the governor, she noted that no other state in a short time has progressed like Cross River in bringing PHC under one roof within a year. According to her its shows the commitment of the proactive pro health, super digital Governor, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade. "When I came on board in 2015 , I met a report from the National where Cross River scored 15% in the implementation of PHCUOR and the 15% was only due to the former bill that was born with some congenital malformations. But today we are almost at the 100% mark. She noted that the governor has signed into law the PHC act and AYADECARE act which will provide more sustainable form of healthcare delivery and financing. Furthermore, governor created a governing board for the agency, new office space allocated and funds approved for renovation. Finally she said the governor has given approval for PHC staff audit which will be followed by employment of more workers to boost service delivery and movement of PHC staff to the Agency.

"FG says it priority is to revitalize PHC in the country by having one functional Primary healthcare centre per ward.  While we wait for them to commit to it, Cross River is among the first state to begin full implementation of the one PHC per ward policy in Nigeria. With 2 out of the 5 PHCs commissioned in Ikom by the Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari. The Governor has employed 18 medical doctors for 18 LGAs  to boost primary healthcare delivery in the state.

Dr Betta Edu also acknowledged the support of His Excellency, Prof Ivara Esu,  Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade, the Speaker, Hon John Gaul Lebo, House committee Chair on Health, Hon (Dr) Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, the Honourable Commissioner for Health for their unflinching support to the revitalization of PHC in Cross River.

Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Comfort Ekanem said One PHC per ward is a welcomed development for Cross River as PHC remain an entry point to the healthcare system of the state. She advocated for more community participation in every process leading to full revitalization of Primary healthcare in the state.  Finally she commended the Deputy Governor who is always available to contribute his quota on issues concerning health.

The CRSPHCDA Board Secretary, Dr Eric Edrah in his goodwill message said achieving universal healthcare coverage is the aim of the board as they will continue working together with all relevant stakeholders to achieved this feat.

Also speaking, Hon. Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey popularly known as the father of health bills, reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of healthcare in the state. He said more is still yet to be achieved while tasking all the partners not to relent in delivering their mandate and support to the state.

The UNICEF consultant, Dr Ifeayinwa Anyanyo, earlier gave kudos to Cross River State for achieving a lot within a year stating that UNICEF is poised to do more. She however pointed out some useful recommendations that will aid the growth of the Agency. These recommendations was adopted by His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State and will be issued as communiqué at the end of the stakeholders meeting.

Good will message were delivered by Mr Ezebilo from NAPHCDA on behalf of all development partners, Mr John Ikwen S.A Chieftaincy Affairs, DG CRSACA, Dr Mrs Rosemary Nyambi, Hon Enebiene, Base LGA Chairman, Yakurr and Obanliku LGA Chairman and Director National Orientation Agency CRS, Mrs Florence Osang Chairman Public Hospital management board Dr Sylvester Ebaye, Dir. Of Admin Ministry of Health Mr O. Omini, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, SA Insurance, President of MWAN CRS Chapter Dr Nchewi Ani amongst others.

Also in attendance was all PHC coordinators, local immunisation officers, PHC doctors, all monitoring and evaluation officers etc. A communique was signed and a copy submitted to the Governor!