Charles Ekanem|19 June 2016|2:16pm
Primary health care is the point of entry into the health system and the foundation of the health sector. Unless we strengthen the primary health care delivery system in the state health care will remain epileptic.
Presently, the Government of Sen Ayade is restructuring the health system with emphasis on Primary Health care. As part of his promise to deliver quality health care to every one in our communities, the governor has employed 18 Medical Doctors as Medical Officers of health to give support to the nurses, midwives, and community health practitioners in the Local Government Areas.
"Cross River State must reduce maternal mortality to very insignificant levels. We must deliver quality healthcare service to our people where ever they are found. To achieve this we have employed doctors to give that required support and bring the expertise that will save lives in the community", remarked Dr Inyang Asibong, Hon. Commissioner for Health, who was very happy at the new development in the state health sector.
Dr. Betta Edu, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, commended the effort of the Governor Sen Ben Ayade in the health sector. She noted that the doctors' employment was an intervention needed to boost the primary health care system. She said the doctors will build capacity of other health workers in the LGA. They will also help with on the job training and supervision of other health staff. Furthermore, their presence at the primary health care facilities will boost the confidence of our people in the communities to patronise PHC facilities and encourage pregnant women to utilise maternity services rendered at the PHCs rather than in TBAs and churches. This great stride in the health sector has a multiplier effect that will improve health indices in the state.
This news was received with great joy at th LGAs. Many PHC coordinators said everything looked blank for them after the exist of the Tulsi Chanrai doctors in May. Some LGA chairmen expressed their joy when they recounted how the presence of doctors at the LGA had saved so many lives over the years.
While some health experts argued that PHCs can run with out doctors, the quality of service rendered without doctors at that level is highly questionable.
Charles Ekanem
Media aide to the DG, CRSPHCDA
