The Federal Government has marked the distribution of medical equipment to primary health care centers throughout the country to mark a significant milestone in the revitalization of Nigeria’s primary health care system.
The Minister Coordinator of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, during Thursday’s flag in Abuja, said that the distribution of medical equipment is part of the federal government’s efforts to strengthen the primary health care system and improve access to quality health services for Nigerians.
He said: “This is not just an event, but it is also a promise maintained. Two years ago, we embarked on an ambitious effort to revitalize the primary health care system, establish objectives, and now we are seeing that this promise is maintained.”
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Pate said that the revitalization of primary health care centers is crucial to improve the health results of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas.
The minister issued a severe warning that the federal government will not tolerate any undue diversion or application of medical equipment and essential medicines that are distributed to primary health care centers.
“We will not remain of several things, while these resources are misused. Any first -line worker, any health facilities manager, any local government or state official, or even a federal official who diverts anything that unfolds to serve our people, will face consequences.”
“For too long, our primary health care centers have languished,” he said. “They are not very functional in many areas. Our mothers have to travel long distances for childbirth, and many of them die in the process. Children lost their vaccines. Communities did not have much hope.”
The minister praised the NPHCDA for his progress in the revitalization of primary health care centers throughout the country. “I’m glad to know from the executive director that we have progressed a lot in terms of physical infrastructure.”
“But we also have to equip them, which is what we are doing, store them with essential medications, have first -line health workers and make centers in which communities can trust.”
Pate expressed their gratitude to development partners, including the Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), the Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA, for their support in the revitalization of Primary Health Care Centers.
“We appreciate the support of our development partners who have believed in this national property effort and have contributed their time, their technical and financial resources,” he said.
Pate reiterated that the trip to revitalize Nigeria’s Primary Health Care System has just begun, and assured that the Federal Government undertakes to ensure that the health system increases again.
“Today’s flag is one more proof that the Nigerian health system can increase again, and proof that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is real. Let’s join together to build a health system that does not leave behind.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Agency for the Development of Primary Health Care (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, provided an update on the revitalization of primary health care centers in Nigeria.
According to AINA, the agency has achieved significant progress in the renewal of primary health care centers, the installation of solar energy and training of first -line health workers.
“We have 1,295 primary health centers that have been completely renewed, in terms of buildings.
“We have installed solar energy in 38 pHC throughout the country, and we are working in association with the Swap office and our sister agency, the NHIA, to revitalize the CMON sites.”
AINA also reported that the agency has trained 69,106 first -line health workers and provided kits, including crocodiles and uniforms, to these health workers.
“In association with the first lady’s renewed hope initiative, we have provided kits to these health workers in the areas,” he said.
The executive director said that some states have recruited new health workers, and the NPHCDA will support the states to pay the salaries of these health workers in the coming years.
“Kaduna, for example, has recruited 216 qualified health attendees and 969 community -based health workers,” Aina said.
AINA also provided an update on the Maternal and Infant Health Initiative (Mommy), saying that 411,000 pregnant women have registered in 21 states, and 30,587 of them have received specific attention, including prenatal care and the reference for diagnosis.
The executive director expressed his gratitude to the federal government and the development partners for their support in the revitalization of the Primary Health Care Centers.
“We have spent more than nine billion Nairras on teams and more than 14 billion Nairras in health products,” he said.
AINA asked the state governments to build on the impulse generated by the intervention of the federal government and commit more resources to equip and customize their facilities. He also urged the Nigerians to participate in the next measles and rubella campaign, whose goal is to reach 109 million Nigerians up to 14 years.
“We hope to reach 109 million Nigerians, up to 14 years, and the idea is that the measles vaccine they will obtain, those that are eligible for vaccines against polyomyelitis, other interventions such as nutrition, such as malaria products, we are integrating it,” Aina said, “Aina said.
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