Ini Billie, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has disbursed N132 million to 231 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the state.
It was learnt that the disbursement was part of the activities of the PHC Development Agency in implementing the National Health Act of 2014 which establishes the basic health provision fund, designed to provide funding to the health sector.
Speaking during an inter-ministerial press briefing in Uyo tagged ‘Tracking the Promise’, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Augustine Umoh stated, “We have provided funding to 231 PHCs in the State. At the last disbursement, about N132 million was given to them so if you pass around and see some PHCs bear a new look, just know where it is coming from”.
Prof Umoh disclosed that the state government has approved the recruitment of experienced retired midwives willing to render their services, saying the midwives would be paid stipends at the end of the month.
He noted that the recruitment would address the acute shortage of health personnel especially midwives in the PHCs.
The commissioner further revealed that the governor has signed the insurance scheme bill passed by the House of Assembly into law and appointed an Executive Secretary for the scheme.
“Staffing in PHC will come up, especially the midwives. We have gotten approval to bring in some retired midwives who are willing to render such services and we will pay them stipends. More health personnel would be employed to ensure efficient healthcare delivery in the state.
“His Excellency, the governor has done so much in the health sector such as the renovation of hospitals and construction of new ones, remodelling of General Hospitals in Ikot Abasi, Eket, Anua as well as the procurement of medical equipment,” he explained.