Kano: Health Stakeholders Call For Digitalization Of Health Facilities

Stakeholders in the health sector at a Kano State Primary Healthcare Policy Dialogue have called for the digitalization of health facilities for effective documentation of patients in the state.

The conference, with the theme, ”Strengthening PHC Accountability for Improved Maternal and Child Health: Bridging Gaps in Primary Health Care (PHC) Service Delivery also solicits the Implementation of a robust capacity-building initiative for healthcare workers.

Addressing participants, the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KNSPHCMB) Director, Dakta Sunusi, said that the state government has issued a plan for supplying 484 sha-ka-travel hospitals and major hospitals in all local governments of the state.

According to him, ”There are 484 accredited PHCs, 40 secondary facilities, and 96 private facilities across political wards, with over 800,000 enrolees on the contributory scheme.”

The Managing Director of Health Watch Foundation, Vivianne Ihekweazu, said the hospitals are playing a critical role in improving health care across the country.

She noted that despite the state’s efforts, there are still some problems that need to be addressed such as the lack of professional birth attendants to carry out safe delivery in the communities.

Ihekweazu who said the conference was one of the programmes the group has undertaken to raise awareness, called on Kano state authorities to take appropriate measures to improve the health sector.

The Director of Programmes, Nigeria Health Watch, Kemisola Agbaoye, said strengthening PHC accountability is essential to reducing maternal and child mortality in Kano State.

“By addressing the root causes of service delivery failures, we can ensure that more mothers and children receive the care they need.”

In a communique signed at the end of the conference, participants said to strengthen community outreach programs there is a need for the enhancement, accountability and transparency through the introduction of governance frameworks which include community oversights, and regular performance audits. and citizen participation in healthcare decisions.

They also called for increased community engagement efforts, while gaps and weaknesses must be promptly communicated to be addressed effectively.

The participants also demand for improved communication between the Primary Health Care Management Board and the Kano State Contributory Health Management Board (KSCHMB) which contributes to a lack of awareness among the public about the available gateways.

”There is a need for legally binding documents rather than policies to address healthcare issues and efforts should made to provide proper facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in all PHCs.”