NACHPN solicits improved welfare for community health practitioners

The total implementation of the Universal Health Coverage policy by all levels of government and strict compliance to standing orders, among health care practitioners will ensure accessible, affordable and quality health care delivery for all Nigerians.

This was the talking point of discussants at this year’s National Scientific Conference organized by the National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, NACHPN, with the theme,” Use of standing Order, A tool for Effective Clinical Management”at Administrative staff college of Nigeria, ASCON, Topo, Badagry in Lagos.

In a paper titled, The role of Community Health Practitioners in  curbing the challenges of health care delivery, in face of prevailing brain drain in Nigeria Health Sector” the Guest Speaker, Prof Clara Ejimbo from the.Department of Community Health Care See, Ahmadu Bello University, maintained that quality health care services is a fundamental right, irrespective of socio – economic status of an individual.

Prof Ejimbo explained that only a responsive and sustainable health care services at the grassroots, will effectively address the deficits withnessed within the primary and secondary health lnstitutions in the country.

In his key note address, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire emphasized on the important role of community health practitioners in the effective operations of the nation’s primary health care facilities.

Represented by the Deputy Director , Non Communicable Diseases in the Ministry of Health, Dr Alayo Shopekan , the Minister explained that the Ministry is working  towards achieving the declaration of the World Health Organisation, WHO, on bringing affordable and quality primary health care services closer to Nigerians.

He therefore urged community health practitioners to come up with well researched recommendations that will further improve government programmes on primary health care service delivery.

Declaring the four – day scientific conference open, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu enjoined community health practitioners to continue to improve on their skills  through regular training and retraining.

Represented by the Chairman, Badagry Central Local Government Area, Mr Olusegun Onilude, Governor Sanwoolu said continuous training on the job, would enable  community health practitioners to deliver  services in – line with global best primary health care services.

Earlier in his  address of welcome, the National President of NACHPN, Comrade Kabir Ahmed explained that the aim of the annual conference is to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the challenges confronting the delivery of quality primary  health care services and the welfare of its members across the federation.

Comrade Ahmed added that the conference is also expected to foster a robust collaboration with other stakeholders in the health sector, especially at the State and Local Government levels.

The four days conference is being attended by community health practitioners across the federation, as well as heads of primary health care training institutions.