FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMENDS GOV. IKPEAZU FOR BLAZING TRAILS IN HEALTHCARE SERVICES
#AbiaOnline
The Federal government of Nigeria has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for blazing the trail in health as well as keying into the Federal Government Project of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Speaking during the official launch of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) in Abia State held at the Apumiri Ubakala Primary Healthcare Centre, the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole said Dr. Ikpeazu was the first Governor to show interest in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, adding that there are still Governors who have not shown interest in the programme.
According to the Minister the BHCPF programme is a people oriented healthcare aimed at extending Primary Health Care (PHC) to all Nigerians free of charge. He disclosed that the programme would feature free antenatal care for pregnant women, delivery, immunization, treatment of malaria, family planning and screening for diabetes and hypertension. He equally stated that children under five years would receive free treatment for diseases such as pneumonia, dysentery, measles, among others.
Prof. Adewole, who had visited Abia State severally, made it public that the programme is funded by the Federal government in partnership with other development partners, disclosing that a total sum of one billion naira would be released in the next nine months for the programme which will be channeled to three hundred and thirty two Primary Health care centers in the state.
Launching the programme officially,
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu reiterated his administration’s commitment in primary health care delivery in Abia State. He assured that his government would join forces with the Federal government and other relevant agencies to better the lot of many in the healthcare service delivery to all, especially the vulnerable people.
Dr. Ikpeazu charged the medical personnel whose duty it is to handle the programme not to misappropriate funds and facilities provided for the programme.
The State chief executive, along side the visiting Minister equally used the opportunity to commission the Abia Electronic Hospital Information Management System and the Ultra Modern Pathology Building at Abia Specialist Hospital, Amachara in Umuahia South LGA.