Attah Willies, Gombe
A growing need for much needed investments to address deterioration of healthcare infrastructural facilities in Gombe State and across the country took centre stage recently during a stakeholders’ media meeting.
The network for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM), through the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN), Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) and Tuberculosis Network (TB Network) united in their call to stakeholders, particularly Government Agencies, the private sector, the mass media and communities, to make deliberate efforts to address identified challenges in the healthcare sector.
During the meeting, challenges such as ageing buildings, inadequate medical equipment, power and water shortages, as well as inadequate healthcare workers and their poor attitude to work in instances where they are available, were identified as some of the major challenges affecting the effective delivery of healthcare services at healthcare facilities.
The loudest call was directed at localities who were enjoined to take responsibility for some of the repairs needed in the health facilities rather than always waiting for Government to come and fix things for them.
During the meeting, religious leaders and faith based organisations were encouraged to leverage on their influence to advocate for improved healthcare conditions by mobilising their congregations to support healthcare initiatives which can create a powerful network of resources, thereby ensuring that healthcare facilities receive the attention they urgently need.
A call for community volunteerism, community driven maintenance of projects, fundraising and providing of assistance which will foster a sense of ownership and accountability for the facilities was also stressed.
Philanthropists and private sector partners were also encouraged to view healthcare as part of their social responsibility by funding critical infrastructure or donating equipment. They can also directly enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Governments at both the Federal, State and Local Government levels were challenged to prioritize healthcare infrastructure in their budgets and increase funding for renovations and upgrading of facilities. Comprehensive policies for timely replacement of outdated equipment was also stressed.
The media on the other hand were urged to remain relentless and steadfast in their duty of bringing out to the front burner, healthcare issues and challenges that require urgent attention by all stakeholders.
