The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering primary healthcare in Enugu State, announcing a substantial allocation of N254 million.

Muyi Aina, executive director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said this in a statement he signed on Saturday in Abuja.

Primary healthcare is meant to provide services to the majority of people based on need, without geographical, social or financial barriers.

Mr Aina said that the declaration was made during his courtesy visit to Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu, highlighting the state’s proactive implementation of federal government health policies.

He commended Enugu State for successfully recruiting 450 health workers and  constructing 260 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across wards.

He noted, “Investing in primary healthcare is vital for improving health outcomes, especially in rural communities where access to services is limited.”

He said that the agency was focusing on revitalising PHC facilities, providing direct facility financing, and re-training over 3,000 health workers.

He urged the state government to integrate casual health workers into the formal system to ensure a stable and skilled workforce which, he said,  was crucial for sustaining progress in healthcare delivery.

He said that NPHCDA and the Enugu state government worked together to enhance primary healthcare infrastructure and services.

According to the official,  the partnership aims to make giant strides in improving healthcare access and quality for the people of Enugu State.

In December 2023, Mr Mbah announced that his administration was in the process of constructing 260 PHCs in all electoral wards of the state. 

Mr Mbah gave the assurance during an inspection tour of a PHC  at Ogonogoeji Ndiuno, Akpugo in Nkanu West LG.

The governor emphasised his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring access to quality primary healthcare for every  resident. 

He pledged to intensify efforts until every child, mother, the elderly, and all other Enugu residents would have access to better healthcare.

The governor highlighted the substantial allocation for healthcare in the state’s 2024 Budget, emphasising the core role of healthcare alongside education in the social services sector. 

“To address the challenges in primary healthcare, the governor outlined a strategy to develop 260 world-class Type-two PHCs across all wards.  

“This consolidation of resources aims to provide 24-hour services in each PHC, ensuring quality primary healthcare in rural communities,” he said.

Mr Mbah also emphasised efforts to upgrade nursing schools to colleges, deploy technology for electronic health management, and increase awareness about universal health insurance coverage. 

(NAN)