By Chinedum Treasure
Stakeholders in Anambra State have called for improved staffing, regular supply of essential medicines, better funding and stronger accountability in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.
The call was made at a town hall meeting organised under the Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK 2) programme, implemented by Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Nnewi, in partnership with SIDEC, Civil Rights Concern (CRC) and Community Empowerment Network (COMEN), with support from the International Budget Partnership (IBP).
Director of JDPC Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Benedict Okolo, urged communities to speak openly about challenges affecting PHCs, assuring participants that unresolved issues would be presented to relevant government agencies.
Executive Director of SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, identified staff shortages, patient care, availability of essential medicines and the impact of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) as major concerns.
She also urged communities to prioritise healthcare in their Community Charters of Demands, noting that roads often take precedence despite pressing healthcare needs.
Executive Director of CRC, Okey Onyeka, said the town hall provided an opportunity for communities to assess healthcare delivery and provide direct feedback on PHC performance.
Programme Manager at JDPC Nnewi, Onyekachi Ololo, said SPARK 2 currently operates in 24 communities and 54 health facilities, with Ward Development Committees (WDCs) monitoring government interventions and sensitising residents on available services.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Dr. Chizoba Ezeasor, Director of Community Health, Dr. Ngozi Okeke, said the state had recorded improvements in primary healthcare.
She disclosed that Anambra has 630 healthcare facilities and said the agency was prioritising the recruitment of additional health workers to improve service delivery.
Okeke also called for greater representation of women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups on WDCs.
The meeting also highlighted accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Chairman of JONAPWD, Anambra State Chapter, Ugochukwu Okeke, said some PHCs lacked appropriate ramps, handrails and accessible doorways, while deaf patients faced communication barriers.
Other stakeholders urged communities to engage lawmakers on healthcare priorities, promote health insurance enrolment and strengthen collaboration with government agencies.
Participants agreed that improved staffing, drug availability, infrastructure, funding and accountability were essential to achieving better maternal and child healthcare outcomes in Anambra State.
Tags: Anambra PHCs, Primary Healthcare, Maternal Health, Child Health, Healthcare
