FG reiterates to revamp10,000 PHCs Nationwide
As part of efforts to provide qualitative health care services to the citizenry, the Federal Government has reiterated her resolved to, in partnership with States and Local Government Areas revitalize 9,844 Primary Health Centres in all the Political Wards across the country, as operating manual for the Universal Health Coverage (UCH).
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire stated this during a Media chart with the Executive Members of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ), in his office in Abuja. He informed that the centres would be provided with social amenities such as road networks, bore-holes, electricity (solar energy) etc. to uplift the health status of Nigerians in rural areas.
Dr. Ehanire noted that some General Hospitals in some States are in a deplorable condition and need to be put to standards to handle complicated health issues from the Primary Health Centres. He further urged State Governments to introduce Social Health Insurance Scheme as a guarantee for the treatment of patients at minimal cost.
The Minister assured that the Ministry will continue to work closely and share information with the Association as required. He advised the Journalists to always report the Ministry correctly and could as well approach the Deputy Director of Information in the Ministry for any piece of information required or clarifications on any issues at any time for immediate response and action.
Speaking, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. E. Mamora, assured the Association that there would be regular meeting and interactions with the Ministry. However, he informed that is office is open for journalists for verification of information.
Dr. Mamora advised the Association that “if you don’t have right for true information, do not report wrongly, rather don’t report at all until you are furnished with the true information”. He urged them to report correctly and accurately as the Ministry would not entertain wrong reportage.
Earlier speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ), Mr. Hassan Zaggi commended the Ministers for their appointment as the Ministers’ for Health. He reminded them that expectations from Nigerians and also the Journalists are very high, as it said that a Healthy Nation is a Wealthy Nation.
Mr. Zaggi stated that the Association is willing to work closely with the Ministry for maximum coverage of the Ministry’s activities. He said that the ANHEJ is soliciting for access to information on the activities and programs of the Ministry, in addition regular and quick responses for any required information.
He informed the Ministers that the Association is planning to hold its Annual Health Conference, adding that the Association is soliciting for the Ministry’s support.
The Chairman used the opportunity to inform the Minister that he is expected to declare the Annual Conference open.
Enefaa Bob-Manuel
Head (Media & Public Relations)
