Charles Ekanem|2 August 2017
Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency holds Workshop for Development of the State first ever Minimum Service Package for Primary Healthcare as been declare open by His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong at Ikom Local Government Area CRS NegroidHaven can report.
This Minimum Service package is to serve as the basis for basic health care service delivery in all PHCs and provide rationale for capitation during implementation of Ayadecare.
Addressing the participants, Dr Asibong said the development of Minimum service package for Cross River State Primary Healthcare facilities was a plus to the State Health sector and Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme known as Ayadecare.
She said this was happening at a time were the Nigerian Senate had just passed a budget for basic healthcare fund in the country and Cross River State cannot qualify for it except it has a MSP for PHCs.
The Commissioner went further to commend the DG for her good work in Primary Healthcare across the State calling on others to be proactive so the can jointly improve the health sector.
Earlier Speaking, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Agency, Dr Betta Edu said His Excellency, Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade on assumption of office made clear his resolve to improve Primary Healthcare in the State by revitalizing it.
"The Governor believes that if Primary Healthcare is fully functional at least 70% of health challenges of almost 85% of Cross Riverians will be well taken care of at the Primary Healthcare Centers.
She further stated that for the agency to be able to deliver minimal service package for Primary Healthcare in the rural communities there must be clear definition of the basic minimum service package for all PHC facility types, what service can anyone who walks into these facilities access.
Finally Dr Edu said under the able leadership of the State Health sector by Dr Inyang Asibong the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Cross River State have made giant stride in the health sector which Primary healthcare is one of them.
Also speaking, the board secretary of Cross River State Primary healthcare Agency, Dr Eric Edrah said it was very vital to develop a common understanding about the primary health care classifications, services, types and functions in the State.
Meanwhile, Mr Ekanem Ekpenyong from Health Finance and Governance USAID said their work is to support Cross River State Government improve health finance and governance through the State health insurance scheme which Cross River is a pioneer State in the country and resources mobilization. He praised the Primary Health Care Agency for making their job easier.
Other Partners who lend their voice to the development of minimum service package for PHCs are Mrs Patricia Ikpeme from Pathfinders International, Alexia K from CUSO, Mrs Beatrice Osim for NPHCDA, Mrs Lily Ettah for PHC Coordinators Dr Philip FHI 360, Dr Iyambi SACA, UNICEF, etc.
Others present are representatives of State Planning Commission, Local Government Service Commission, Dr Bassey Ikpeme from EU SIGN, Mr Inah Sunday from Health Finance and Governance amongst others.
Charles Ekanem
Is a Health Reporter
