By Giwa SHILE
The Bauchi State Government, in partnership with United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) and European Union (EU) has concluded arrangements to remodel 162 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) for effective healthcare delivery system in the state.
The Executive Chairman, State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Mr Ibrahim Gamawa, stated this while handing over a health facility to a contractor at Liman Katagum on Wednesday.
“Today will be the formal day to handover Liman Katagum health facility for remodelling through total renovation by the contractor who will handle the renovation.
“Liman Katagum PHC is among the centre’s of excellence to be renovated among 31 PHCs in the phase one of the project.
“The 162 PHCs across the state will be renovated and remodel in phases, we are starting with 31 PHCs,
“Out of which 10 PHCs each for Bauchi and Katagum Local Government Areas while the 18 Local government areas eight PHCs will be renovated in each,” Gamawa said.
He stressed the need to strengthen primary health workers to enhance effective participation at the grassroots and make effective management of PHC facilities in their areas.
Gamawa however warned that health care services and delivery should not stop because of the renovation taking place in the facilities.
He commended UNICEF and EU for committing in promoting primary health cares system in the state.
“BASPHCDA in partnership with UNICEF through the European Union funds remain committed in ensuring improved and qualitative primary health care delivery across the state.,” he said.
Earlier, UNICEF Health Officer Bauchi, Mr Seyi Olusunde, said UNICEF and EU are committed to the upgrade of health facilities in the state.
“Facilities at the centres should be upgraded to offer all services with appropriate staffing, equipment and consumables made readily available.
“Vaccine storage cold stores and capacity gaps should also be addressed,’’ he said.
Olusunde said state government and partners suggest ways of reviving the already dilapidated centres across the state.
He urged Traditional and religious leaders in the communities should embark on sensitization of women, for regular attendance of Anti natal and giving birth in the facilities.
In a remark, the Village Head of Liman Katagum, Alhaji Yakubu Gani, commended the state government for considering Liman Katagum Primary Health care for renovation and as center of excellence, among others.
