The Chairperson of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Uchenna Ogalla, has raised concerns over the underutilisation of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the council area. During the launch of the Igbo-Eze North Primary Healthcare Support Initiative on Friday at the council secretariat, Ogalla highlighted the pressing need to improve healthcare services and facilities in the area.
The initiative, which aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of delivering affordable healthcare to Enugu State residents, aims to address challenges such as the closure of many health centres and a lack of essential medicines and tools for patients. Ogalla revealed that these issues became evident following discussions with Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, who also attended the event.
“The health centres are under lock and key, so we raised the alarm and directed that everybody should go back to work. They are going to work, but there is nothing to work with. Our patients have even started coming, but when they come, there are no drugs,” Ogalla lamented.
In response to these challenges, the chairperson and other dignitaries at the event raised ₦5 million to register 460 indigent residents of Igbo-Eze North for the Enugu State Health Insurance Scheme. Ogalla further called on community leaders to support and utilise the health facilities, urging them to take an active interest in the facilities’ operations.
As a symbolic gesture, assorted drugs were presented to Dr. Ani-Osheku during the event, who subsequently handed them over to the health department of Igbo-Eze North for distribution to PHCs.
This initiative marks a significant step towards revitalising the health sector in Igbo-Eze North, ensuring that essential healthcare services are accessible to the community, especially the indigent. With the funds raised and renewed focus on healthcare, the council hopes to reverse the trend of underutilisation and improve overall health outcomes in the area.
AT REPORTER
