Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency has affirmed that antenatal care, childbirth, and immunisation services remain free at all primary healthcare centres in the state.
Executive secretary of the agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu stated this during the its first quarterly review meeting with heads of Department of Health in the 16 local government areas of the state yesterday in Ilorin.
Elelu said antenatal services, childbirth, and immunisation had been declared free across primary healthcare facilities in the state, warning against any form of extortion of patients seeking these services
She said the meeting was aimed at reviewing health interventions and strengthening service delivery at the grassroots.
“The free healthcare intervention is in line with the commitment of the administration of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for residents of Kwara,” Elelu said.
The executive secretary commended the HODs for their commitment to improving healthcare services in their respective local government areas.
She also reiterated the state government’s commitment to building a healthier and safer Kwara for all.
According to her, the meeting provided an opportunity to review activities such as the recently completed implementation and enumeration walk-through programme and the Sub-National Immunization Plus Days, SNIPDs.
Elelu added that the meeting also creates a platform to discuss lessons learned, challenges encountered, and strategies to improve outcomes ahead of the next round scheduled for the end of March.
She cautioned against unethical practices in health facilities, stressing that the government has continued to make significant investments in the health sector.
“I urge you to complement government efforts by maintaining proper records, building positive relationships with patients, and demonstrating professionalism and dedication in the discharge of your duties,” the executive secretary said.
Also speaking, the director of Primary Health Care Systems, Dr Michael Oguntoye presented findings from a recent survey conducted across health facilities and encouraged the HODs to improve performance in the current quarter.
He advised them not to shield any health worker found wanting, but to report such cases to enable appropriate disciplinary action.
Earlier in her remarks, chairman of the HODs, Hajia Rianat Sulaiman commended the State government and the Agency’s leadership for creating an enabling environment for effective service delivery.
She also appreciated the Elelu for her open-door policy and the continuous training and retraining opportunities provided for health workers.
Sulaiman saidd that these initiatives have strengthened the capacity of personnel across primary healthcare facilities in the state.