Ekwunife Calls For Innovation And Prioritization Of Primary Healthcare Delivery In Nigeria

KINGSLEY UBANI

The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Uche Ekwunife PhD, has called for innovation and prioritization of primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria, noting that it will ensure early management of health problems.

Ekwunife said this on Monday, August 23, 2021, during the unveiling of the top social innovations in health program in Abuja.

The event which was put together by Social Innovation in Health (SIHI), Nigeria hub, a World Health Organization (WHO) project with multiple international partners domiciled in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka had in attendance the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, former commissioner for budget and economic planning Anambra State, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna amongst other diginitaries.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Ekwunife advised government and stakeholders in the health sector to make primary health care a priority and introduce innovations aimed towards ensuring the sustainability of health care centres in the country.

The Senator, while noting that the essence of governance is for Nigerians to benefit from government programs and innovations, stated that the ultimate goal of health innovation is to improve our ability to meet public and personal healthcare needs and demands by optimising the performance of the health system. She called for improvements in research, patient satisfaction, education, and access to care.

The Chairman Senate committee on Science, Technology and Innovation commended the initiative of the SIHI hub. She assured that her committee will continue to work with relevant agencies to improve innvoations in healthcare delivery.

Performing the unveiling ceremony, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu expressed delight at the development and promised that the ministry will provide the needed support and collaboration to enable the initiative to be successful.

Earlier in his welcome address, Prof Charles Esimone welcomed participants to the unveiling ceremony and expressed hope that it will achieve its set objectives.

Other speakers at the event include, the Director-General, NIPRD, Dr Obi Adigwe, Vice Chancellor, Nile University, president, Nigeria Academy of Science, Prof Eka Braide amongst others.