By Damian Duruiheoma, Owerri
Imo State government has promised the people a functional primary health care system.
The Executive Secretary, Imo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Perry Njoku, said making primary health care functional and affordable would enable general and tertiary hospitals perform optimally.
Njoku noted that as a member of the transition committee, he realised that most people needed functional health care.
He said: “We discovered that health care was almost non-existent; we will have something like Obamacare in Imo State because Governor Ekema Ihedioha is passionate about having the simplest health care project that is easily achievable from the standpoint of affordability, accessibility and availability.
“These three core factors are captured in one concept because the governor wants things that are real and possible. The bulk of our health challenges fall within this primary health care, and when we get it right at that level, our general and tertiary hospitals will function at optimum level.
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“We want an old woman to get medication at a nearby health centre without spending much; that is what the administration intends to achieve; having the basic services at minimal cost.”
Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has described Njoku’s appointment as executive secretary of the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency as well deserved.
A statement by the Chairman, Dr. Kyrian Duruewuru, said Njoku was the right man for the job.
It added that he was their candidate for commissioner for Health.
The government also promised more budgetary allocations to the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Orlu, to enable it live up to its mandate of producing world-class nurses and midwives.
Commissioner for Health Dr. Vin Udokwu spoke during the college’s 2018/2019 matriculation at the weekend.
Udokwu said the government would support the college to carry out its functions.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Austin Okeji, said the Governor Emeka Ihedioha-led administration planned to deliver efficient health care.
He added that the achievement of universal health coverage would not be on infrastructure alone, but human capital development, which the college was performing.
He praised the Provost, Princess Ngozi Duru, for making the institution stand out despite the challenges, and urged students to take their studies serious.
Princess Duru hinted that the college admitted on merit.
She urged them to obey school rules, be security-conscious and avoid late nights.
“If you do your part, you will be the ultimate beneficiaries of the current atmosphere of peace, orderliness, academic excellence, rule of law, respect and moral rectitude, which reigns here.”
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