Anambra Government Partners WHO, Launches Health Facility Monitoring, Accreditation Unit, E-Platform

Anambra State Government through the state ministry of health in partnership with World Health Organization(WHO ) on Tuesday, launched the Anambra State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Unit (ASHEFAMU) and its accompanying Electronic Platform.

READ ALSO:Anambra State Leverages Technology to Eliminate Healthcare Quackery

Speaking at the occasion, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, stated that ASHEFAMU and its e-platform have come to systematically eliminate quackery by ensuring that hospitals especially private practitioners, in Anambra State are accredited and well registered.

“The establishment of this Monitoring and Accreditation Unit, along with the E-Platform, represents a forward-thinking approach to health governance and quality assurance. It is designed to ensure that all health facilities in Anambra State adhere to the highest standards of care, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of our residents.

“This initiative aligns with global best practices, reflecting the principles set forth by the WHO in promoting universal health coverage and ensuring that quality health services are accessible to all.From a regional perspective, this initiative places Anambra State at the forefront of health sector innovation in Nigeria. By adopting advanced monitoring and accreditation processes, we are setting a benchmark for other states in the federation.”

Dr Obidike added that the platform will enable real-time registration, renewal and regulation of health facilities, data collection, analysis, and reporting, facilitating informed decision-making and prompt intervention where necessary.

“When we resumed office, 80 per cent of healthcare services is being driven by the private sector without regulations. This is why many quack doctors are operating health facilities in the state.

“This is also the reason Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration in partnership with WHO decided to establish ASHAFAMU to ensure quality healthcare for all residents of the state.

“With this unit, Anambra’s ASHAFAMU will become the second government-owned accreditation body in Nigeria after Lagos state to guarantee patients’ safety.

“It is a testament to our commitment to harnessing technology for the betterment of public health.At the national level, the Anambra State Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Unit and E-Platform is a crucial step towards achieving the objectives of the National Health Policy. It supports the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and ensure accountability in the health sector. We are proud to contribute to the realization of these national goals, which are vital for the socio-economic development of our country.

“With the support of the World Health Organization and the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo, we are confident to make significant strides in improving the health and well-being of our people,” Obidike said.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, described the launch as a war against poor medical practice and quackery.He urged the private medical practitioners to secure government fund from 0-11 million through the SME loan scheme with low interest rate facility.

Speaking earlier, the Anambra State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Health, Mr Tony Muobike, said that the bill was passed under one month and the law is to eliminate quackery and sanitize the health sector.

On his part, the Managing Director of the State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to demonstrate what technology can do in the health sector.

“Technology for sure, cannot solve all your problems but can solve so many problems. It is only dependent on what you want to achieve with it.

“What the ICT agency has done is to replicate the vision of the Ministry in setting up the e-platform and bringing on board, all the state assets. The idea is to ensure authenticity and eradicate quackery as much as possible,” he said.

CFA explained that the reason for the URL, ashefamu.anambrastate.gov.ng; is to solidify authenticity. The State Executive Council have approved the .anambrastate.gov.ng as a stamp to authenticity of all government information and processes.

CFA appealed to practitioners in the industry and people of the state to flog the system and ensure that accomplishes the intent for which it was established.

“Tech thrives on data hence the system is as good as the data with which it is fed.” CFA concluded.

In a goodwill message, the representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Mohammed Bonnos congratulated Anambra State for the milestone, saying the initiative will protect Anambra citizens.

The Anambra State WHO Coordinator, Dr Bonos Mohammed in his good will noted that ASHEFAMU will protect residents of the state from quackery and unprofessionalism, and promised that WHO will keep collaborating with the state, health wise.

The Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency Executive Secretary, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, The Managing Director of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), Dr. Simeon Onyemaechi, representative of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State chapter all delivered goodwill messages at the occasion.

The State Head of Medical Services, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, among others attended the event.