By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo
Stepping up to their mandate, Local Governments (LGs) in the country are to plough in more resources and efforts to lift the services of primary healthcare centers (PHCs) nationwide, especially in the light of increased cash inflow to their treasuries.
To this end, the nation’s 774 LGs have pledged to help boost the operations of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to enable the body discharge its functions effectively.
Responsibility for PHC rests on LGs which are meant to oversee the operations of PHC facilities within their geographic areas, including the provision of basic health services, community health, hygiene and sanitation. However, the success story in some parts of the country is not a beautiful one.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital, National President of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Aminu Mu’azu Maifata, pledged that the grassroots tier of governance will do more to raise the outcomes level of PHCs.
Maifata, who was represented at the event by ALGON National Welfare Officer, Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan, who doubles as the Taraba State ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Jalingo LGA, emphasized the preparedness of the 774 LGA Chairmen to collaborate with all critical stakeholders for the survival of NPHCDA for the benefit of Nigerians.
Hassan, who spoke exclusively to peopleandpolitics.net in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, on the telephone, pointed out that ALGON across the country would,by the intended action, showcase its leadership capacity and accountability in the implementation of its constitutional mandate for better governance at the grassroots level.
According to him, the crucial Abuja meeting was held to accelerate improvements in PHCs in Nigeria in the wake of the recent Supreme Court-ordered LG financial autonomy which has ensured steadier funds to LG Councils.
The ALGON national chieftain, who lauded the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) and NPHCDA for organizing what he described as the significant event, noted that during the ceremony, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate thumbed up LG financial autonomy.
Hassan said: “The Minister emphasized that the government is focusing on enhancing primary health care services to ensure quality and affordable healthcare delivery services at the grassroots level.”
According to Hassan, the Executive Director (ED), NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, joined other critical stakeholders to discuss ways to enhance PHC services in the country.
The ALGON National Welfare Officer said: “The meeting served as a platform for stakeholders to engage, share knowledge, and identify strategies to address the challenges facing primary healthcare in Nigeria.
“The meeting was also aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and other developmental intervention projects established to improve access to primary healthcare services.
“BHCPF and other developmental initiatives and interventions are catalysts for increasing the fiscal space for health and strengthening the national health system, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
“The NPHCDA, a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Health, has been instrumental in developing primary healthcare in Nigeria since its establishment in 1992. The agency’s efforts have contributed significantly to improving the health and quality of life of Nigerians, especially in developing communities.
“With Local Government financial autonomy at the forefront of discussions, stakeholders recognized the importance of effective resource management and allocation to achieve universal health coverage in Nigeria.”
