Lagos SAT calls for quick intervention to improve PHCs - ITREALMS

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The Lagos State Advocacy Team (SAT) has called on appropriate government health authorities to expedite actions in providing manpower and basic facilities for better community health care delivery in local levels, reports ITREALMS.

This call was made by the State Advocacy Team during a visit to the Medical Officer incharge of Health (MoH) in Ikotun Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) under the Alimosho Local Government.

In her observation, the State Coordinator, Association of Civil Societies on Malaria, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), who led the SAT team, Mrs. Bunmi Tejumola, identified some issues of concern at Isheri-Osun primary health care to include lack of ambulance for emergency cases, lack of 24-hours service at the centre, inadequate beds at the facilities, non-availability of HIV services, the need for constant power supply, inadequate health-care workers, lack of security personnel, and provision of amenities needed for safe delivery of pregnant women.

Also Mrs Tejumola on behalf of SAT, appreciated the positive efforts of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) and noted the essence of fixing the broken floors, septic tanks and stationing of a medical doctor at the Isheri-Osun primary health centre to make the people feel her impact at the community level.

"I really appreciate the concern of MoH when the issues of inadequate health workers came up especially in the areas of medical doctor and the MoH rose to effect such, it's a success story on our part that we saw it, escalated it and an action taken, that's the essence of the project," she said.

Mrs Tejumola further charged the MoH to quicken the execution of other issues earlier raised to bring good health delivery to the people in the community.

In her response, Medical officer of Health, Dr. Uti-Momah Anthonia assured that the state is aware of the lack of ambulance service at the PHC for emergency cases, and the need for a private security personnel for the PHC, likewise request of pre-paid meter for stable power supply at the centre.

These, she said have been fully discussed with Chairman of the LCDA.

Dr. Uti -Momah equally noted the issue of HIV services, stressing its currently limited to the flagship centre having been briefed by head of Laboratory services.

On the number of beds at the PHC, she said are enough to take care of the observation cases once the centre is not running on 24-hours service.

She enjoined the community residents to indicate their interest for prospective qualified medical personnels in overcoming the issue of understaffed.

The State Advocacy Team visitation delegation to Ikotun LCDA under Alimosho local Government comprised POPWHEI Executive Director, Monica Obi, TB coordinator, Mrs Ifelunwa Aipoh, Mr Patrick Akpan of NEPWAN and ATM Project Officer, Ms Tope James, among others.

*Gbemi Omotoso/Editor