Omu-Aran (Kwara) – The Irepodun Local Government Council of Kwara has inaugurated an 8-member Primary Healthcare Development Authority Committee to boost healthcare delivery services in the area.
Inauguration the committee in Omu-Aran, Dr Abimbola Folorunso, the Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, charged the members to live above board and ensure that people enjoy prompt and quality healthcare.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the law establishing the agency was enacted by the administration of former governor Bukola Saraki in 2010.
Mr Smauel Buoye and Mrs Felicia Ogundeyi are to serve as Chairman and Secretary of the committee, respectively.
Other members of the committee include Oba Aaron Aransiola, Onijan of Otun-Ijan; Chief Stephen Adewumi; Chief Sunday Gbakanladow; Dr Tajudeen Adeyemo, Mrs Lucia Afolayan and Mrs Mary Afolayan.
Folorunso said the establishment of the agency was part of the policy thrust of the government aimed at bringing healthcare services closer to the people, especially at the grassroots.
She noted that the inauguration of the committee across the 16 councils of the state was delayed due to some unforeseen circumstances and challenges.
She noted the Irepodun council inauguration of the committee as the fifth across the local government areas toward improving the health status of the people of the state.
Folorunso said the government through the agency has been working tirelessly and had put in place adequate infrastructure and personnel needed to achieve effective healthcare delivery.
She also enjoined the committee members to remain committed and dedicated in their responsibilities in order to improve on the state low score performance in the areas of primary healthcare nationwide.
“I want you to avail yourself a copy of the agency’s constitution and note especially section 131-133 which has to do with functions and workload of the committee.
“This will assist to map out effective strategies, as pioneers, to be able to tackles those challenges hindering primary health care effectively,” she said.
She attributed the failure of the primary healthcare services on the high patronage being experienced in most general hospitals in the communities.
“The first contact for people on health issues, especially at the grassroots should be the primary healthcare centres and clinics.
“But due to failure in that regard people have no other alternative than to seek medical services in other hospitals.
“Even in the face of serious difficulties of carrying out numerous tests without adequate treatment,” she said.
The Chairman of Irepodun Local Council, Alhaji Luqman Owolewa, pledged his administration’s resolve to impact positively on the health status of the people.
He described the committee members as men of proven honesty, integrity and transparency.
Responding on behalf of members, Mrs Mary Afolayan, the council’s Head of Health Department, promised to discharge their duties with humility and dedication.
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola