Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Sam Ode, mni, has made a strong case for the establishment of a Health Trust Fund to secure resources and ensure the timely release of counterpart funds for the implementation of healthcare projects designed to address the health needs of the populace.
The deputy governor announced this proposal during a meeting on Monday with the State Taskforce on Immunisation and Primary Health Care Services at his office in Makurdi.
As chairman of the Taskforce, Ode expressed concern over startling statistics that demonstrate underperformance in primary health care services, and pledged the Alia administration’s commitment to improving healthcare for all Benue residents.
While praising the collaborative efforts of traditional institutions and development partners in enhancing primary healthcare delivery across the state, Dr. Ode highlighted the need for “improved publicity and advocacy initiatives to effectively reach underserved populations, particularly those in rural areas”.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, expressed appreciation for the state government’s unwavering support for the health sector, noting that revitalised primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the 23 local governments now offer essential services, including diagnosis and treatment, immunisation, health education, and maternal and child health units.
He called for the recruitment of qualified personnel and a steady supply of medications to adequately meet the needs of the state’s residents.
In a series of goodwill messages, key stakeholders—including Ter Gwer, Chief Dominic Akpe, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ishola Abdulrazaq, and Dr. Mohammed Abdulkarim from the World Health Organization— all applauded the state government’s efforts to enhance the performance of PHCs.
They also reported a significant decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the state, and urged local government chairmen to ensure safe access to health facilities, while appealing for the prompt release of counterpart funds from the government to tap into additional funding opportunities from donors.
Earlier, Mrs. Grace Ashi Wende, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, expressed gratitude to the State Taskforce members for their dedication to quarterly meetings focused on improving healthcare services in the state.
Mrs. Wende acknowledged the vital technical support provided by development partners, which has been instrumental in advancing health projects to benefit the people of Benue.