The Federal Government has praised Enugu State’s transformation of its primary healthcare system, acknowledging the state’s impressive strides in revitalizing this crucial aspect of healthcare.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NHCDA), expressed the government’s admiration during a recent visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.
“Enugu people are happy with you. The Federal Government is happy with you too,” Dr. Aina stated. “You have commenced the construction of 260 new health facilities, which is no mean feat. You have also focused on recruiting health workers of different cadres, addressing the shortage in the health sector.”
Governor Mbah’s administration has prioritized primary healthcare, recognizing its significance in the state’s development.
“We identified primary healthcare as one of those critical sub-sectors that we need to address,” Governor Mbah responded. “We are doing 260 Level 2 PHCs, each with staff quarters to ensure round-the-clock access to healthcare in rural areas.”
To support Enugu State’s efforts, the Federal Government has earmarked N254 million from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to revitalize existing facilities.
Dr. Aina highlighted that 162 facilities lack skilled birth attendants and staff accommodations, which the funding will address. The NHCDA is also collaborating with the state to train manpower and replace obsolete infrastructure.
This partnership aims to strengthen Enugu State’s primary healthcare system, ensuring improved access to quality healthcare for its residents. With the government’s commitment to recruiting 2,200 health workers, the state is poised to make significant progress in addressing healthcare deficits.
