By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
A growing need for the much needed investment to address infrastructural deterioration of healthcare facilities in Gombe State took the centre stage 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) were therefore united in their call to stakeholders particularly Government Agencies, private sector, mass media and communities to make deliberate efforts in addressing these challenges on the healthcare.
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 in health facilities at the healthcare facilities.
The ATM meeting coordinated by Idris Maigari Lawanti for TB Network, Mohammed Sabo for People Living With HIV and AIDS While Hassana Yakubu Maisanda is for ACOMIN enjoined community participation especially at the ward level.
The loudest call was made to localities for them to take responsibilities of fixing and maintaining some of the repairs needed in the 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 subjects and 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 assistance which will foster a sense of ownership and accountability for the facilities was also stressed.
Philanthropist 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.
The Government 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 duties of bringing out to the front burner, healthcare issues and challenges that require urgent attention by all stakeholders.
