Bayelsa govt advocates strengthening Primary Healthcare for better health system
By Shedrack Frank
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Mr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has emphasised the importance of investing in primary healthcare as a key driver of an efficient and sustainable health system.
Speaking at a meeting on Friday with health sector stakeholders, including the state Commissioner for Health, Local Government chairmen, and heads of Primary Healthcare Departments in the eight council areas of Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo shared valuable insights.
He emphasised how strengthening primary healthcare could significantly improve Nigeria’s health system.
Ewhrudjakpo explained that secondary and tertiary healthcare institutions were often overwhelmed due to the underperformance of primary healthcare services.
“Many common health concerns, such as malaria, typhoid fever, and mild diarrhea, should be addressed by primary healthcare centres, but are instead treated at general and specialist hospitals.”
He emphasised that “Primary healthcare is the foundation of the health system,” highlighting its critical role in managing health at the grassroots level.
He advised that for Nigeria to make meaningful progress in its health sector there should be greater investment in primary healthcare, particularly in the development of healthcare workers.
Ewhrudjakpo also pointed to Bayelsa’s recent progress in primary healthcare, noting successful partnerships with the GAVI intervention programme, which would conclude this month.
To further enhance the primary healthcare system, Ewhrudjakpo proposed the introduction of a “Rural Posting Allowance” to motivate health workers in remote communities.
He also encouraged local government chairmen to improve supervision of health personnel and involve health department heads in their monthly Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC) meetings, where budget decisions were made.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, commended Ewhrudjakpo for his pivotal role in fostering partnerships with GAVI, UNICEF, and other international organisations to improve healthcare services.
Brisibe called for more funding to support routine immunisation and other primary healthcare initiatives.
In their remarks, Dr Churson Obosi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health, and Dr William Appah, Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa Primary Healthcare Board, stressed the need to address challenges such as inadequate manpower.
They also emphasised the importance of increasing community participation in improving the health sector.
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