By Nneka Anoliefo
Tours of 21 local government Areas in Anambra State for inauguration of Health Authority Committees have ended with a call on state Government to employ more nurses and other health workers to replace retired ones.
The Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu, made the appeal while addressing health workers during the inauguration of health Authorities in the Local Governments.
Dr Ezenyimulu who appreciated the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano in upgrading Heath facilities in the State to standard, also stressed the need to employ more Nurses and other health workers and as well ensure that the increase in salary associated with promotion is reflected in the salaries of health workers.
The Primary Health Care boss spoke on the establishment of the agency in 2015, when the bill was signed into law by the governor.
According to her, the National Immunization Plus Days which deal with house to house immunization of children, Maternal/Newborn and Child Healthcare Week, Nutrition, Breastfeeding, Family planning, TB/HIV and AIDs Control are all programs being coordinated by the agency.
Dr Ezenyimulu also explained that the Basic Healthcare Provider Fund (BHCPF) is one percent of the consolidated revenue of the federation going to primary health care, noting that the State can access it if they have a functional Primary Healthcare Development Agency, as well as State Health Insurance Agency.
According to her other criteria include functional healthcare development agency and state insurance agency which the governor has also created.
Speaking after the inauguration, Chairman of the Agency, Professor Josephat Ogbuagu, reminded the health workers that primary health care is all about health care with community involvement.
He noted that when community is involved, it is proven that health facility strives very well.
He charged the newly inaugurated Local Government Health Advisory Committees to support the overall vision and mission of the LGHA, provide strategic direction to Management team as well as mobilize and allocate resources among others.
The Acting Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mrs Grace Ginikanwa, urged them to adhere to the Code of Conduct guiding the Agency, encourage communities as well as carry them along to participate in initiating and monitoring decisions and plans based on their local health needs among others.
Responding the local government chairmen of Anambra East and West, Awka south and North and the directors of the local government primary health care thanked the Board Chairman Dr Josephant Ogbuagu, Executive Secretary, Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu among other board members for the efforts in championing the cause of the Agency to admiration of all and promised to make judicious use of the funds accesed.
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