By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system as a strategic approach to eliminating maternal mortality and improving access to quality healthcare across the state.
Dr. Obidike made this known during a meeting with the 21 Primary Health Care Local Government Directors in Anambra State on July 10, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters, Awka, where he emphasized the need for greater coordination, standardisation of healthcare services, and strict adherence to professional responsibilities at all levels of the health system.
The commissioner disclosed that the Soludo administration has continued to invest heavily in primary healthcare, including the provision of a free ambulance system to ensure timely referral of pregnant women and emergency cases from Primary Health Care centres to higher-level health facilities when necessary.
According to him, the free ambulance initiative is a critical intervention designed to reduce delays in accessing emergency obstetric care, thereby significantly lowering maternal deaths across the state.
Dr. Obidike stressed that preventing maternal mortality must begin at the Primary Health Care level through quality antenatal care, early identification of high-risk pregnancies, prompt referrals, and efficient emergency response. He noted that strengthening services at PHCs remains one of the most effective strategies for safeguarding the lives of pregnant women and newborns.
He further stressed that every health worker must function within the scope of their professional responsibilities, noting that effective service delivery can only be achieved when each cadre of healthcare personnel performs its assigned role efficiently and responsibly.
The commissioner also called for uniform standards in implementing government health initiatives across all Primary Health Care facilities, saying that standardisation would guarantee quality, equity, and consistency in healthcare delivery throughout the state.
He reiterated the state government’s determination to achieve zero maternal mortality, adding that no woman should lose her life while giving birth due to preventable causes.
“The vision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo is to eliminate maternal mortality in Anambra State. This can only be achieved through a strong primary healthcare system, effective referrals, committed health workers, and adherence to established healthcare standards,” commissioner said.
He urged the Primary Health Care Directors to strengthen supervision within their respective local government areas, ensure accountability among healthcare workers, intensify efforts at preventing maternal mortality in all Primary HealthCare Centres, and sustain the implementation of government health policies aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the 21 Primary Health Care Directors, Dr. Chukwudi Njelita commended the commissioner for his commitment to strengthening primary healthcare across the state. He pledged the directors’ continued support in implementing government health policies, improving supervision of PHCs, and working collectively toward eliminating maternal mortality in Anambra State.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to review ongoing healthcare interventions, address operational challenges, and develop strategies to further enhance the quality of primary healthcare services across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State.
Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State
