JDPC, partners train Anambra healthcare workers, others on efficient service delivery

By Lawrence Nwimo & Chinaza Osigwe 

As part of efforts to strengthen inclusive maternal and child healthcare delivery in Anambra State, Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Nnewi, has trained healthcare workers on efficient service delivery.

The capacity building workshop was held at the Abagana Local Government Secretariat on Friday. The event is part of the International Budget Partnership (IBP) project on Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK II) being implemented in the state by JDPC Nnewi, and other network of partners including the Community Empowerment Network (COMEN), and the Civil Rights Concern (CRC).

Ikengaonline reports that among the recipients of the training were Ward Development Committees (WDCs), and Officer-In-Charges (OICs) in Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.

Declaring the workshop open, Director JDPC  Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Ben Okolo, emphasized the importance of collective effort in addressing challenges relating to healthcare service delivery. He said the exercise is designed to equip trainees with knowledge to perform their tasks, encouraging them to leverage the platform to strengthen healthcare facilities in the State.

“Today’s session is designed to equip you all  with the tools to navigate all difficulties concerning health matters in Anambra State. To achieve this, let us all commit to leveraging this platform to strengthen our healthcare facilities.”

Mrs Ugochi Ehiahuruike, SPARK II  COMEN Consultant, said the exercise also aimed to advocate 40 percent female representation in WDCs for inclusive decision-making and informed actions. She said that the programme seeks to enhance communication to promote health awareness and build trust within communities.

She also said the event was to strengthen the OICs capacity in developing business plans tailored to the needs of the PHCs, ensuring timely and transparent financial retirement and providing adequate healthcare service delivery that meets the service needs of the citizens.

In a lecture session entitled “Maternal Health Care in Anambra State”, Dr. Ngozi Okeke, Director Community Health Services at the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, ASPHCDA, charged every healthcare official to work collectively to reduce mortality rate in the state. 

Okeke, who commended JDPC and partners for their efforts and drives in the healthcare sector, reminded WDCs their roles as middlemen between community and OICs and urged them to collaborate more to improve standards and services at their health facilities.

Speaking on: “Current status, challenges and solutions in maternal Health Care Service Delivery in Anambra State”, Mrs Chizoba Igboekweze, another healthcare official, outlined poor remuneration, poor funding, dilapidated buildings as some of the challenges facing healthcare in Anambra, calling for increased government interventions to facilitate efficient services in healthcare facilities.

Obiageli Uchebo, Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, encouraged participants to intensify sensitization and campaigns to increase patronage of Primary Healthcare centers. She also stressed the importance of work-plans towards the actualization of the goals of basic health funds in the state. 

Other speakers exposed participants to their roles and responsibilities at facility, local government and agency level even as participants had sessions on work plans development and retirements of Basic Healthcare Provisions Fund (BHCPF).

In a testimony, Mr. Emmanuel Ezeufo, one of the participants, expressed his gratitude for the training. He said “This workshop has been very enlightening. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of health issues and acquired valuable knowledge that I can apply to improve the well-being of my community.”

Also, Mrs Monica Ekwealor, another participant, commended the SPARK II team, saying: “Training was innovative and impactful. The approach you have taken to address pressing healthcare issues is truly commendable, and I’m confident that it will yield positive results in our facilities.”

JDPC SPARK Programmes Manager, Onyekachi Ololo, said the exercise has deepened understanding of services and roles of healthcare officials attached to PHCs towards improving maternal and child healthcare service delivery.

Other highpoints of the exercise include question and answer sessions, group works and presentations.