Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the primary healthcare system, ensuring residents have access to quality medical services.
Emphasizing the critical role of primary healthcare in achieving universal health coverage, the governor highlighted his government’s efforts to transform the sector and improve healthcare delivery in the state.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, stated that Ogun’s Primary Health Centres have undergone renovations, with further improvements in progress.
He noted, “In Ogun State, we are committed to repositioning our primary health care as a foundation for an effective and resilient health care system. We recognize that primary health care is the gateway to achieving universal health coverage.
“We, however, acknowledge the challenges that persist. The funding constraint, inadequate human resources, and socioeconomic disparities which pose a threat to the public health efforts that are being made members of the Public Health Association.
“However, a forum provides an opportunity for robust discussion, innovative solutions, and actualable policies that will help us navigate as a state, this challenges effectively.”
Earlier, APHPN National President, Alphonsus Isara, pointed out that Nigeria is battling a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
To effectively address these challenges, he emphasized the need for healthcare stakeholders to focus on grassroots interventions.
He further stressed the importance of a well-functioning primary healthcare system in addressing rising mental health concerns among Nigerians.
Adding to the discussion, Ogun State APHPN Chairman, Dr. Adewale Adesanya, raised concerns over the shortage of medical personnel in Nigeria, calling for better recruitment strategies and improved welfare for healthcare workers.
He remarked, “There is a shortage of health manpower. Nigeria is facing this serious problem of Japa. We just need to improve not just the number of medical personnel but also their welfare so that so that this Japa issue can reduce.
“Also, the government needs to improve the economy and value of our currency, then people will not be leaving the country.”
The conference provided a platform for key players in the health sector to deliberate on innovative solutions to enhance primary healthcare amid various socioeconomic and infrastructural challenges.
