Mbah approves digitalisation of PHCs in Enugu

By Alex Enebeli

Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ES-PHCDA), says Gov. Peter Mbah, has approved the digitalisation of all the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state.

Ani-Osheku disclosed this when she led World Health Organisation (WHO) Team on facility tour to the newly constructed Type 2 PHCs by Mbah’s administration on Thursday.

Some of the primary healthcare centres visited included facilities completed at Ogbaku in Awgu and Emene in Enugu East Council Areas of Enugu.

The executive secretary said the essence of the digitalisation was to ensure quality service delivery and to obtain accurate data.

While noting that digitalisation was the biggest conversation in the health sector globally, Ani-Osheku, said Mbah had given approval to digitalise all primary and secondary healthcare facilities in Enugu.

According to her, the process is ongoing.

“This is because when we have accurate data; it will stand the test of time and we will be able to make accurate planning and budgeting.

“It is our pleasure to announce that the governor has graciously given approval to digitalise health centres.

“So, the moment all the newly constructed PHCs facilities come on board, it will be digitalised.’’

She said that the Mbah- led administration embarked on the construction of 260 Type 2 healthcare facilities across the 260 political wards to bring healthcare delivery closer to the rural people.

The executive secretary further explained that the project was divided into two phases with 31 type 2 PHCs being constructed and completed in the first phase, with Ogbaku health centre being one of them.

She added that Mbah, had in addition, awarded the construction of additional 200 type 2 PHCs bringing the total number to 231.

“The hospital has minimum of eleven spaces, a front desk area, two consulting rooms, laboratory, pharmacy, maternity unit, female and male wards with four bed spaces and conviencences conforming with the WHO standard.

“This is to ensure that we did not encourage the spread of diseases and infections; the facilities are in addition connected to power supply and solar energy with borehole driven by solar,” she said.

Speaking, the Zonal Coordinator, WHO, South-East, Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, said the visit was a joint supervision and health facility tour WHO embarked, in partnership with ES-PHCDA, to see the progress Mbah’s administration was making in revitalising PHCs delivery in Enugu.

The zonal coordinator commended Mbah for his bold reforms in health sector, especially the building and equipping of 260 Level -2 PHCs that met standard across 260 wards of Enugu .

He reiterated that investments in PHCs revitalisation and strengthening of a functional primary healthcare system was most sustainable pathway towards achieving Health Security and Universal Health Coverage for Enugu people.

Igboekwu expressed WHO’s willingness in supporting Mbah to continue prioritising health sector; stressing that investment in health was a catalyst for economic growth through healthier workforce, higher productivity and improved well-being of the citizens.

“On its part, WHO-Nigeria under the leadership of its Country Representative and Head of Mission, Dr Walter Kazadi, is committed in deepening and strengthening her technical support for PHC development in Enugu,” he said.

A contractor, who handled Ogbaku healthcare centre, Steve Oruruo, said he ensured timely delivery of the project in accordance to specification and quality for the benefit of the people of the area.

He commended the community for owning the project by providing security and assistance during construction of the facility.

Mr David Ugwu, the Chairman, Ward Development Committee, Emene, while lauding Mbah for the project, said women from area used to travel a far distance to access healthcare while some patronised quacks.(NAN)