The Rivers State Government has been praised by the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services for its impressive strides in improving healthcare delivery, particularly at the level of primary healthcare.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Amos Magaji, made the commendation during an oversight visit to the state to assess the utilisation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Magaji was impressed with the state’s efforts, including the deployment of medical doctors to primary healthcare centers in Rivers State amidst the nation’s dearth of healthcare professionals.
“We commend the Rivers State Government efforts at improving primary health care delivery. It is amazing to find medical doctors stationed at primary health care centers despite the inadequate human resources for health. That is a serious dedication,” he continued.
He called on the people to access the improved facilities, further stating that the aim of the BHCPF is to render quality care within reach and accessible to the people.
“Majority of the level-three health facilities we have visited are well-equipped, and we encourage citizens to access them. Without citizens accessing the facilities, the meaning of the improvement in primary healthcare would be defeated,” Magaji insisted.
The legislator also proposed the deployment of electronic monitoring devices in healthcare facilities for enhancing real-time record-keeping, performance tracking, and data management.
In delivering remarks, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Professor Justina Jumbo, reaffirmed the state’s resolve towards the proper use of federal health funds to enhance access to quality medical services, especially in rural areas.
In Rivers State, we are dedicated to our rightful application of all healthcare-related funds, including BHCPF, to increase access to quality health care for our citizens, particularly in underserved areas. Our revitalization of 135 primary healthcare facilities is proof of this endeavor,” she furthered.
She continued to say that the committee’s recommendations and findings would also support intergovernmental cooperation between the federal and state governments towards improving improved health outcomes nationwide.
