The Nation Newspaper

Tag: primary health care centres

  • Day Ambode’s score card resonated

    Day Ambode’s score card resonated

    De Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja, venue of the first 2018 Town Hall Meeting, the 10th in the series was filled to capacity. As early as 8:30 a.m., stakeholders from different groups had taken their seat, waiting patiently for the arrival of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Coincidentally, this edition of the Town Hall meeting was historic as it also marked the 140th anniversary of Town Hall Meetings practice in the state, first held on January 28, 1877.

    The meeting, in the last two-and-half years, has metamorphosed into a viable platform to listen and interact.

    For Ambode, it presents him with an opportunity to feel the pulse and hear first-hand from the people who elected him to serve them, while for Lagosians, it is yet another medium to rub minds with the Governor, tell him their needs and in most cases, get instant response and approvals.

    The latest edition certainly lived up to expectation. Ambode’s entrance into the venue by 9:58 a.m. was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd who were excited to interact with the man behind the many infrastructural projects and people-oriented programmes that are fast changing the landscape of the state.

    Ambode, in line with the tradition of the meeting, took time to reel off some of his administration’s strides in the last quarter of last year as well as projections for the first quarter of the New Year as well as other plans to sustain the tempo of infrastructural development that has become synonymous with his government.

    Giving a report of activities of his administration in the last quarter, Governor Ambode said between the period under review, the government inaugurated the first state-owned DNA Forensic Centre in Nigeria and West Africa, and in the coming weeks would sign a contract to upgrade the facility to offer toxicology services, which will make it the first in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The governor said N635.5 million has been disbursed as bursary to 8,419 students in tertiary institutions across the state in fulfilment of its promise to support their educational pursuit while in the health sector, equipment worth over N2.5 billion were acquired.

    According to him, the health equipment was part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of the state’s health facilities to render improved health services and also facilitate smooth take-off of the Lagos State Health Scheme designed to enable residents enjoy unfettered access to quality  health care.

    “Since the last Town Hall meeting, we have continued the renovation and upgrade of our Primary Health care Centres (PHCs) and our people at the grassroots have started to witness a revitalised health care delivery. In order to meet the needs of the youth in the area of technical and vocational development, we have approved the establishment of three other technical colleges; bringing the number of technical colleges to eight,” he said.

    To kick-start our bus transport reform, Governor Ambode recalled that the LAMATA Place, the Ojota BRT Depot, the Intelligent Transport System Centre and E-ticketing Payment System was inaugurated, while work on the Onikan Stadium to transform it to a modern sports arena has begun as well as upgrade of the Agege Stadium to prepare it to host CAF Champions League matches for MFM Football Club.

    The inauguration of the JJT (Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu) Park in Alausa was also one of the highlights of December, last year. The park provided a perfect spot for young and old to relish the festive period as hundreds of Lagosians thronged the park daily, a situation the governor said confirmed the State Government’s belief that Lagos needs more of such parks.

    The governor listed some of the key projects delivered last year to include the new Tafawa Balewa Square Bus Terminal, new Ojota Pedestrian Bridge, Aboru –Abesan Link Bridge and adjoining inner roads, Ojodu Berger Slip Road and Pedestrian Bridge, Jubilee Bridges in Ajah and Abule Egba, Freedom and Admiralty Road in Lekki, new Lands Registry and newly upgraded Jubilee Chalet in Epe, among others.

    In addition, Ambode said as at December, last year, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) had disbursed a total of N4.5 billion to 5,500 beneficiaries who also received training on financial literacy and business management, while keys were presented to beneficiaries of the first set of allottees of Lagos State Rent-To-Own Housing Scheme, as well as creation of Neighbourhood Safety Corps and beautification of the state with the erection of monuments, parks and gardens.

    The coming on board of these projects, the governor said, contributed immensely in creating jobs for the teeming youths and ultimately stimulating and reflating the economy, just as he revealed that despite the harsh economic climate in the country,   the state generated a total of N503.7 billion revenue last year while the overall budget performance stood at 82 per cent.

    He said the figures posted last year was a positive indication entering into the New Year. For him, though last year was a good one for the state, there are great prospects in stock for this year.

    He said: “As we celebrate the New Year, we thank you all for your support and co-operation last year. It was your backing that enabled us to achieve the modest successes we recorded last year and commence the transformation of the landscape of our state. Last year, we delivered on our promises to Lagosians despite the harsh economic climate.

    “Despite the harsh economy, our state’s budget performed at 82 per cent. Total revenue generated was N503.7 billion, representing a performance of 78 per cent; total recurrent expenditure was N281.33 billion, representing a performance of 92 per cent, while total capital expenditure was N387.60 billion or 76 per cent performance,” he said.

    Still in December, the governor presented a record high budget proposal of N1.046 trillion to the Lagos State House of Assembly, pledging that it would be judiciously utilised to complete all ongoing projects and consolidate on infrastructural development in areas of education, transportation and traffic management.

    While reeling off the outlook for the year, Ambode assured that he would sustain the momentum of development and vigorously pursue all ongoing projects, with special focus on health and education.

    Already, in the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N1.046 trillion currently awaiting approval of the House of Assembly, the State Government has earmarked N92.676 billion for the health sector, representing 8.86 per cent and N126.302 billion for education representing 12.07 per cent of the budget.

    But the highlight of the event came during the question-and-answer session. One by one, residents filled out to speak. While some utilised the opportunity to present their personal problems to the Governor, others spoke on behalf of their colleagues and the challenges facing their immediate communities.

    However, with the electioneering activities ahead of the 2019 general elections only a few months away, they were all united in their submissions that Lagos was heading the right direction and that Governor Ambode thoroughly deserved another term.

    Treasurer, Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Stephen Adegbite said in the past two-and-half years, Ambode has not only delivered majority of his promises, his strides have engendered religious harmony.

    “He promised religious harmony and today in Lagos State there is religious harmony. Religious leaders from CAN and other Christian organisations meet at several strategic meetings and in all the states, the state that is leading in religious harmony is Lagos State because we have now NIREC at local government (LGs) and local council development areas (LCDAs) and the light-up Lagos project has been integrated.

    In his words: “The governor does not need any campaign for 2019, his work has spoken for him and he is coming back without any sentiment. We will continue to pray for him. Ambode is fantastic. Keep it up and God bless you.”

    A resident, Tunde Odunsi, reminded the governor of a one-on-one discussion he had with him  in 2015 that was yet to be acted upon. Responding, the governor assured Odunsi that the matter would be immediately addressed.

    Ojikutu Ahmed, a representative of the Ikeja Computer Village Community, commended Ambode for steps taken to install free Wi-fi in the new parks and gardens across the state, saying it has put the state on the global map as an ICT-compliant state.

    Ahmed, however, asked the governor to intervene through the State’s Public Works Corporation to fix the roads in and around Computer Village, a request governor also assured would be immediately looked into.

    Answering other questions relating to road rehabilitation, the governor also ordered the Public Works Corporation to immediately move in to fix bad roads in Abesan Estate, Oriade and Abule Egba, among others.

    Surajudeen Abejamu brought the situation at the Primary Health care Centre situated at the resettlement area in Ajah-Ilaje area in Eti-Osa Local Government Area to the Governor’s attention, prompting the governor to direct the office of the Special Adviser on Primary Health care to immediately ensure that the centre becomes functional in two weeks.

    The concern of Mrs. Risikat Philips was on market development. While welcoming re-development of the Ikorodu Market, she suggested a possibility of finding an alternative location for market men and women before any demolition.

    Buying into her idea, Ambode assured that the government would look into cushioning the effects of displacing traders in the course of developing their markets, revealing that a Market Development Board would be inaugurated very soon and when functional, would address issues of market relocation for developmental projects.

    Chairperson, Lagos Women in Sports, Tayo Popoola, said the governor’s efforts in the sports sector have not gone unnoticed and would be one major yardstick for his re-election.

    She, however, implored the governor to encourage more women in sports administration, saying that the exploits of Ikorodu-born Asisat Oshoala, the reigning African Women Footballer of the Year, who was also present at the event, was a testament to the fact that several women with an eye for nurturing female talents in sports abound.

    Ambode said sports remains one tool his administration has employed to keep youths engaged and out of social vices.

    Mr. Temitope Ibikunle sought to know the efforts being made to forestall any invasion by herdsmen. Ambode allayed fears, saying that the government had taken precautionary measures to ensure safety of lives and property.

    Dignitaries at the event were Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye; former Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Lagos APC Vice-Chairman Cardinal James Odunbaku and Chief Lanre Rasak, among others.

     

  • Obaseki approves health centers in markets

    Obaseki approves health centers in markets

    …Reaffirms commitment to curb Neonatal deaths

     

    The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the establishment of primary health care centres in major markets in the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to significantly reduce neonatal mortality.

    Obaseki said this at the 3rd Stakeholders’ Meeting on Implementation of Action Plan on Prevention of Neonatal Deaths in Edo state, organised by the Reduce Neonatal Deaths Initiative, a pet project of his wife, Mrs. Betsy, held at the Government House, Benin City.

    He said, “Neonatal mortality is a serious challenge in the healthcare system due to the loss of life at birth. We must all join hands to address child mortality because it negatively impacts the economy in the long run.

    “We are prioritising reforms in primary healthcare to address the burden of neonatal mortality. Part of our plans is to rehabilitate and reconstruct at least one Primary Healthcare Centre in each ward across the state by next year. I have also instructed that at least a Primary Health Care centre be sited in every major market, particularly those in the urban centres,” he added.

    Obaseki assured the stakeholders of his resolve to efficiently utilise scarce resources to support and improve primary healthcare services, adding, “initiatives which bring stakeholders and experts together to provide solutions to the problem of neonatal death should be assisted to achieve their aims. This will improve the healthcare system of the state.”

    Wife of the governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, commended the stakeholders, who have continued to show commitment to advancing the objectives of her pet project.

    According to her, “efforts to address neonatal mortality in the state will certainly be a success judging by your contributions, zeal, and courage. This will assist the state to reduce neonatal deaths and become a model for other states to emulate.”

    Project Coordinator, Reduce Neonatal Deaths Initiative, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, said the project will help in addressing the problem of neonatal death as Nigeria records the second largest incidence of neonatal mortality with a rate of 5.1 percent.

    She commended the Federal Government for training health workers drawn from various parts of the country, noting that the plan for the trainees to train others is a welcome development.

    She said 12 health workers, who benefited from the training, are billed to train 96 other health workers to be selected from the state.

  • Lagos to rejig primary health care centres

    Lagos to rejig primary health care centres

    The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the quality of service delivery at its Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across the state. It has  also  urged health workers to discharge their duties conscientiously to ensure quality care and a healthy environment.

    Special Adviser to Governor Akinwumi Ambode on Primary Health Care, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga, who gave the charge during unscheduled visit to some PHCs, said the government was not unmindful of the challenges facing the primary health care system.

    He, however, revealed that the present administration was eager to effect lasting transformation  that would make access to healthcare facilities at the grassroots hassle free.

    Onanuga added that primary health care was the bedrock of any health care system, stressing that the challenges confronting that level of health care system were not adequately addressed, hence the secondary and tertiary levels of care were overwhelmed.

    In reaction to criticisms of the attitude of some PHC workers, Onanuga warned that, henceforth, any health worker whose attitude and commitment to duty negate the attainment of the state’s delivery of qualitative and affordable health care services will be booted out.

    Noting that though primary health care was the responsibility of local governments,  Onanuga stressed that it was imperative for the state to intervene because of its pivotal role in the overall health care delivery system.

    He highlighted key areas that the government would beam its searchlight to include: facilities upgrade; data management; operational cost; power supply; water supply; drug supply; sewage management;  staffing and immunisation programmes.

    Others are bridging communication gap between the Ministry of Health, Local Governments and Primary Healthcare Board; Facility management and monitoring, and insurance scheme.

    He said these were issues that had constituted challenges to the sector and they had to be addressed.

    According to Onanuga, there must be more synergy between the Ministry of Health and local governments to have a robust and viable service delivery at the PHCs.

    He said: “We cannot run the PHC from the Ministry, we need full support of the local government to make institutions work. So, we need to sit and find out what are the challenges and work in partnership to have a successful Primary Healthcare.”

    Onanuga said the state passed a law on an health insurance scheme last year and would soon begin its operation. He, however, said the primary health care system was key to the successful implementation of the scheme, stressing that this was why the government was putting everything in place to ensure its successful and smooth running.

    “A law was passed last year June on the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme. It can’t be operated without the primary health care system; all hands should, therefore, be on deck to ensure its success as other states are already waiting to see how we will do it,” he remarked.

    Onanuga emphasised the importance of monitoring health facilities. He said his office was making unscheduled visits to primary health care centres across the state to see things the way they were.

    He noted that the decision not to inform the health facilities of the visits was deliberate. “We don’t want window-dressing by the managements, and we believe this will put the health officers on their toes while also ensuring good use of government facilities,” he said.

    He said Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration was poised to change the face of the health care centres in line with his mandate to ensure qualitative health care for the populace. He charged sole administrators and managers of LGA/LCDAs to take the PHCs as their babies, which must be seen to survive. He further promised that all the ingredients needed to make the PHCs function well shall be provided.

    “We implore you to support the government because His Excellency is extremely passionate about the success of the PHC due to its closeness to the grassroots people,” Onanuga said.

  • FG cancels plan to build 10,000 PHCs

    FG cancels plan to build 10,000 PHCs

    …To merge health department for effective performance

    Federal Government may have put off its earlier plan to build 10,000 primary health care centres across all senatorial zones across the country, it was learnt Thursday.

    Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said the decision to cancel the project was on the advice of Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who felt that the states may not be able to meet up with their contributions.

    Adewole spoke during an audience with Under-Secretary-General and Executive-Director, United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin in Abuja

    Absolving the Finance minister of any blame, Adewole said the minister (Finance) had earlier pledged upon assumption of office that the PHCs would be made available by President Buhari-led administration within four years, and that the nation’s health systems would be driven through it.

    But with the turn of event in the country, she was concerned that the states may not be able to meet up with their contributions. This, Adeosun said will be a burden on the Federal Government.

    Minister of Health had on Tuesday assured the country that government would harmonize various departments in the ministry for effective performance. He said most of the health projects in the country are funded by sponsors, and that the best way to show seriousness as a government, and appreciate such aids is to expend the funds through a well-coordinated channel.

    He said of the PHC’s: “Truly, we came up with the agenda of revitalizing one PHC per political ward, that would lead us to ensuring 1000 PHCs are in place. But, then, there is a problem. Government set up an inter-ministerial committee. At our first meeting, it was obvious, the Minister of Finance said ‘wait a minute, when you take this up, the local government and states will abandon its responsibility. And, when they abandon it for you, you are in trouble.

    “About 40 percent of the resources go into personnel cost. So, if you want to bear the responsibility of the resources, you want to bear responsibility for commodities, then, what exactly will the states be doing?

    “So, we are trying to repackage the concept. We are taking on one hundred and ten for pilot. We are going through the backdoor, using the Save-One-Million-Lives, which is actually $500 million facility from the World Bank. We’ve given out to the states as grant, and what we’ve done is to advance them and advance payment at $1.5million. Use this, and then, in a year’s time, we would re-evaluate and match you with you. In other words, we compared, say Lagos State in 2015 with Lagos State in 2016. We then advance them with rewards based on improvements. And, I’ve been talking to many of the state governors, saying use this to strengthen your primary health care system. I think many of them are listening. If they do not invest, there will be nothing for them next year.”

    He added that one of the core goals of the ministry under his leadership is promote family planning services as the best way for mothers to plan and live their lives meaningfully.

    In his remark, Prof. Osotimehin, who was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, United Kingdom’s Department for International Development, DfID, Mark Lowcock, expressed the concern of UNFPA and DfID over high maternal death rate in the country.

    He however reiterated the support of international community for the country to reduce the incidence. He however informed that family planning would effectively reduce the deaths by 30 percent, and that it should be embraced by all people in the country.