The United States Agency For International Development (USAID), Integrated Health Program (IHP) in partnership with Ebonyi State Government has distributed 187 Smart Desk phones to 171 Primary Healthcare Centers PHCs , one per political ward inline with PHC ‘under one roof’, which targets women, children, men, among others.
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The IHP State Technical Director, Dr Batholomew odio disclosed this during the Handover of the Smart Desk Phones and solar panels in support of two-way referral and data reporting for the USAID Integrated Health Program in Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria.
“The USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP) Task Order 6 Ebonyi with focus on technical assistance, Capacity Country ownership, Sustainabillity commenced operations effective April 6, 2020. With target beneficiaries Men,policy makers, Health care workers, State, LGHA and ward level PHC structures across the 13 LGAs in Ebonyi State. In line with the mandate of the program, IHP Ebonyi State, hereby hand over to Ebonyi State Ministry of the Recipient of the following Smart Desk Phones with Solar Panels financed under the USAID funded IHP program USAID/NIGERIA IDIQ/TASK ORDER NO. 72062018D00001/72062020F00006: IHP TO6 Ebonyi Summary Of small desk phones and accessories”, Odio said.
“The Recipient sign and accepts the above-mentioned data reporting tools and further covenants that: It will use the items for programs activities, or purposes consistent with the overall goals and objectives of the IHP program, it will not sell the indicated items, The equipment’s will not be redeployed for personal use, The equipment’s will be assigned to IHP supported health facilities for service delivery, For Ebonyi State Ministry of Health For USAID Integrated Health Program (IHP) Ebonyi State” Odio added.
The event also witnessed Handover of the phones to the facility referral focal persons and Training of the health care workers on the use of the phones as well as Installation of the phones in the health facilities. Also distributed were Solar Charger, USB Extension Cables among others.
“An effective referral system ensures a symbiotic relationship between all levels of the health system:and ensures that people receive the best possible care. It also assists in making cost-effective use of hospitals and PHC services. Availability of support to lower levels of care and outreach services by experienced staff from the secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare help to build capacity and improve access to qualitative healthcare. A significant proportion of clients seen at the PHCs require specialized care at secondary facilities and often comes with a high cost to the client”, he added.
He further stated that the smart desktop phones would support the healthcare workers in performing their duties effectively. “Strengthening the health system especially RMNCAH systems in Ebonyi state, that also encompasses 2-way referral capacity building, strengthening coordination, promoting a standardized referral practice and tools, proper monitoring, evaluation, documentation, and timely reporting. These smart desktop phones will support the health care workers to report timely on the RMNCAH + N activities using WhatsApp, ODK Link or Mobile App”, he said.
The State Director in charge of Reproductive Health Unit in the State Ministry of Health, Mary-jane Nwobodo encouraged the beneficiaries not to abuse the use of the phones.
Two of the beneficiaries Mrs Oduma Merit, Officer in charge of Aramehu PHC and Mr Odo Elizabeth in charge of MCH Azuiyokwu said with the help of the Phones, healthcare delivery in the State would be effective and also efficient.
