By Kate Itam
The Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, has taken a statewide tour of all primary healthcare centers in the State.
Leading a high-level team on a comprehensive assessment tour of healthcare facilities across the three senatorial districts – Southern, Central, and Northern of the state, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Etim Effiong Ayi, the Director of Administration Mrs. Cecilia Ayim, and other key members of the CRSPHCDA team expressed dissatisfaction with the state of primary health care facilities across the state.
The assessment tour aimed to evaluate the facilities’ state, identify areas of strength and weakness, and develop strategies to improve healthcare delivery. The visit was also to do a needs assessment of the various facilities. The team visited various facilities, including Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs), Health Centers, and health posts.
During the tour, the DG and her team interacted with healthcare providers, patients, and community leaders to gain insights into the healthcare sector’s challenges and opportunities across the three senatorial districts.
They assessed the availability of essential medical equipment, drugs, and human resources, as well as, evaluating the quality of care being provided. Key findings from the assessment tour included infrastructure – some facilities needed repairs and upgrades, while others lacked basic amenities like electricity and running water.
Shortages of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas; many facilities lack essential medical equipment and supplies, such as diagnostic tools and medications were all observed. Also, while some facilities were providing high-quality care, others were facing challenges due to limited resources and manpower.
Based on the findings of the assessment tour, the CRSPHCDA said it will develop a comprehensive plan to address the identified challenges and improve healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
The Agency noted that investing in repairs and upgrades of healthcare facilities; increasing the number of healthcare professionals through recruitment, training, partnerships, and retention programs among others in the interventions.
“Ensuring that facilities have access to essential medical equipment and supplies. Implementing programs to improve the quality of care provided in healthcare facilities.”
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