The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services as part of efforts to reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve healthcare delivery across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, stated this during a meeting with Primary Health Care (PHC) Directors from the 21 local government areas of the state at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Awka.
Obidike said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has continued to invest in the primary healthcare system, including the provision of free ambulance services to facilitate the timely transfer of pregnant women and other emergency patients from primary healthcare centres to higher-level medical facilities.
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According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce delays in accessing emergency obstetric care, one of the leading factors contributing to maternal mortality.
“The vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo is to eliminate maternal mortality in Anambra State. This can only be achieved through a strong primary healthcare system, effective referrals, committed health workers and adherence to established healthcare standards,” Obidike said.
The commissioner emphasised that improving maternal health outcomes requires quality antenatal care, early identification of high-risk pregnancies, prompt referrals and efficient emergency response mechanisms at the primary healthcare level.
He urged healthcare workers across the state to remain dedicated to their professional responsibilities, noting that quality healthcare delivery depends on the commitment of all personnel to their assigned duties.
Obidike also called for the uniform implementation of government healthcare programmes across all primary healthcare centres to ensure consistency, equity and improved access to quality services for residents.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to achieving zero preventable maternal deaths, he stressed that no woman should lose her life to pregnancy or childbirth-related complications that can be prevented through timely and appropriate medical intervention.
The commissioner further directed Primary Health Care Directors to strengthen supervision within their respective local government areas, promote accountability among healthcare personnel and sustain the implementation of policies aimed at improving maternal and child health.
Speaking on behalf of the PHC Directors, Dr Chukwudi Njelita commended the state government for prioritising primary healthcare development and pledged continued support for efforts to improve service delivery across Anambra State.
“We remain committed to supporting government efforts to strengthen supervision, improve healthcare services and reduce maternal mortality across Anambra State,” Njelita said.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing primary healthcare programmes, assessed operational challenges and explored additional measures to enhance healthcare delivery across the state’s 21 local government areas.
