'Expectant mum shouldn't die of ignorance'
From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha Civil Rights Concern (CRC) has called for intensified public enlightenment on the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the provision of health services in Primary Healthcare
From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha
Civil Rights Concern (CRC) has called for intensified public enlightenment on the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) for the provision of health services in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Anambra State.
Executive Director, Okey Onyeka made the call during review of audit framework for BHCPF by stakeholders in the State as well as apprising of an earlier work on community policy on free antenatal care and delivery with skilled birth attendants.
He argued that if residents are aware of the funds and the services they were meant to cover, expectant mothers would not die of pregnancy due to ignorance of such services in the state.
Advertisement
300x250
He said, “The essence of the engagement is to apprise stakeholders of how the funds are managed, values accrued to the funds and other supports provided to enable the PHCs carry out their services more efficiently.
“Due to the critical value of the BHCPF to the PHCs, we’re really anxious to see the funds are properly utilized for the benefits of the communities they are meant for.
“Regrettably, not much of the budgeted funds are being implemented by government, especially at the PHCs level. That’s why it’s important to ensure these funds are properly deployed for the anticipated results.
“We’re also looking at maternal healthcare which the funds are also meant to cater for. Yes, state government has continued to provide free delivery and antenatal as well as drugs for pregnant women.
“But not all of them are aware of these free services, especially at the grassroots. There’s need for aggressive awareness through the community leaders, churches, markets and organisations.
“If people are aware these services exist, nobody is expected to die of pregnancy due to ignorance of the free services.”
Advertisement
300x250
Read Also: Nigerians, other countries to pay more for UK visas, citizenship from April
Also speaking, State Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke commended state government for its free healthcare services, especially to his members, but lamented information gap and access to the services.
“We’re aware of free healthcare services rendered by Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) which we’ve sensitized our members of. But the challenge we have is accessibility of these services.
“Take for example, there’s a form to fill to get registered before one can benefit from the free services.
“Whereas some of our members don’t know when these forms are available, some who know can’t access them. Persons with hearing or virtually impaired, for example can’t access such information.
“Again, accessing the healthcare facilities where the services are rendered pose its own challenge, particularly to those on wheelchair.
“There’s need for synergy between ASHIA, the PHCs and our organization. Interestingly, we have structures called Disabilities Community Centre (DCC) with a representative for each community.
“If they can collaborate with us, that will help them know where our members are and how to assist us. Otherwise, those free services will continue to remain unutilized,” he said.
