By Chris Chikelue
Anambra State has ranked second best in Nigeria on Indicator 7 of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), Structures and Services.
The ranking marks a significant achievement in the state’s Primary Healthcare Performance indices.
Anambra also recorded a strong showing on Indicator 11, which measures the availability and effective management of Essential Commodities across healthcare facilities.
By this performance, Anambra State was awarded a grant of $400,000 under the BHCPF performance-based financing initiative.
The event which took place in the country’s capital, Abuja, on December 12, highlighted Anambra State’s sustained efforts in strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving service delivery, and ensuring efficient utilization of funds at the primary healthcare level.
Receiving the award for the state and representing the Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo was the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike,
In his reaction to the award and grant the Health commissioner described it as a clear validation of the state government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector.
“The state’s strong performance on Indicator 11 covering Essential Commodities demonstrates deliberate efforts to ensure the availability of quality medicines and medical supplies across public health facilities.
“This recognition is a product of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s vision of building a robust, efficient, and people-centred healthcare system.
“It reflects the hard work, discipline, and accountability of our health workforce and partners.”
The Commissioner further noted that the $400,000 grant awarded to the state will be prudently utilized to consolidate gains already made in primary healthcare delivery, improve service quality, and expand access to essential health services, especially at the grassroots level.
He commended healthcare workers, implementing agencies, development partners, and community stakeholders for their dedication while assuring Ndi Anambra that the state government remains resolute in its drive to deliver accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for all.Stakeholders in the health sector have described the achievement as a reflection of effective leadership, strategic planning, and strong institutional coordination aimed at improving health outcomes for residents of the state.
The grant is expected to further enhance healthcare services, particularly at the grassroots, in line with national health sector goals.
The award night was co-sponsored by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Aligote Foundations and UNICEF.
How the scale stood at the PHC Leadership Award Night, for North East region, Yobe State came first while the runner up for NorthEast was Gombe state.For North Central Nigeria, Nassarawa State took the lead leaving Kwara State as its runner up, while for Northwest, Zamfara State emerged the best and the runner up was Kaduna state.
Now, for South East Nigeria, Abia State was ranked the best leaving the runner up position to Anambra State.
For South South States, Rivers took the lead and Bayelsa the runner up, while Osun State took first in the South West and the runner up was Ogun State.
