The Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board (RSPHCMB) has called for stronger collaboration with Local Government Councils to improve primary healthcare delivery across the state.
Executive Secretary of RSPHCMB, Dr Chituru Adele, made the call during a two-day capacity-building workshop for Local Government Chairmen, organised by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, in Port Harcourt.
Dr Adele said the engagement provided an opportunity to update Local Government authorities on the Board’s interventions, including the renovation and readiness of primary healthcare facilities, recruitment and supervision of health workers, and digitalisation efforts to improve data collection and patient care.
He stressed that stronger collaboration and support from Local Government Councils would help sustain these interventions and ensure that healthcare services respond effectively to the needs of communities.
Also speaking, Mohamed Mohamed, who represented the Executive Director , National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), emphasized stronger partnership and collaboration between the State and Local Government authorities were essential to effective primary healthcare delivery.
A presentation was done to address Leadership Challenge at the LGA level urging the LGA chairmen to continue investing in Human resource for Health, mobilise resources for PHC activities, promote accountability and strengthen gender specific health programs.
The Chairman of ALGON, Rivers State Chapter, and Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, also urged Local Government Chairmen to take greater interest in healthcare delivery within their communities.
Greater local ownership. Stronger collaboration. Better primary healthcare.