[NEWS] GOVERNOR MUTFWANG PROMISES SWEEPING REFORMS ON UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE COVERAGE IN PLATEAU TO DELIVER QUALITY, ACCESSIBLE SERVICES

The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has unveiled sweeping and ambitious reforms aimed at revolutionising the state's primary healthcare system to deliver high-quality and accessible healthcare services.

Governor Mutfwang stated this during a two-day Orientation Workshop for State and Local Government Taskforce on Primary Healthcare Members with partners and stakeholders organised by the UNICEF and the Plateau State Primary Healthcare Board, held at the Gwol Motel, Barkin Ladi, LGA.

Represented by his Deputy, Hon. Mrs Josephine Piyo, he said the meeting is to ensure governance, coordination, and accountability aimed at enhancing the structures that govern and coordinate Primary Healthcare services and ensuring accountability at every level of operation.

“This meeting with local government authorities and traditional rulers is designed to ensure accountability, enhance coordination, and elevate the standard of services provided by PHCs.

"As we embark on discussions and deliberations today, let us keep in mind the ultimate goal is to improve the health and well-being of the people of Plateau State," he stated.

Highlighting the need for composition, roles, and operational modalities of the State and Local Government Areas Taskforce on Primary Healthcare, he said the new laid-down framework would define how they will work together effectively to achieve shared goals.

He disclosed that the Taskforce would delve into the Sector Wide Approach (SWAP) as a model for optional resource mobilisation and utilisation for health services in addition to the provision of upgrades on the ongoing support for the revitalisation of Primary Healthcare services.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services, Governor Mutfwang highlighted the critical role of PHCs in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, boosting immunization coverage, and raising awareness about the importance of primary healthcare in the state's healthcare value chain.

The Governor added that recognised community participation and involvement in achieving universal health coverage is indispensable, noting that it is imperative to enhance community engagement to ensure the success of health coverage in the state.

Giving an overview of the National Primary Healthcare by the National Facilitator, Mr Adeshina Adelakun, highlighted five core functions of Primary Healthcare including first contact accessibility, continuity, coordination as well as people-centredness.

Adelakun noted that for the Primary Healthcare to achieve the desired goal, there was a need for effective leadership.

He praised Governor Caleb Mutfwang-led administration for the political will to ensure that universal healthcare coverage is achieved in Plateau State.

Plateau State Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Raymond Juryit, in a welcome address, said the meeting was aimed at bringing stakeholders together to find ways of strategising on how to achieve universal health coverage across the state and commended UNICEF for being a worthy partner.