Jigawa Health Workers Urge Government to Invest More in Primary Healthcare

Jigawa Health Workers Urge Government to Invest More in Primary Healthcare

By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse

The Jigawa State Government has been urged to sustain its commitment to strengthening the health sector by investing more in primary healthcare delivery, capacity building and the welfare of health workers across the state.

The call was made by the Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Jigawa State Council, Comrade Lawan Ibrahim, in his speech at a one-day workshop organised for health workers at the union’s office in Dutse, the state capital, on Thursday.

Lawan commended the Jigawa State Government under the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi for its efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the state.

He also appreciated the Executive Secretary and management of the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for their efforts to improve healthcare services and support health workers, particularly those serving at the grassroots.

According to him, the workshop was organised at a critical time, stressing that primary healthcare remains the foundation of an effective health system.

He noted that health workers are at the forefront of providing essential services to the people, particularly in rural communities where access to healthcare remains a major concern.

The union leader therefore appealed to the state government to strengthen the skills and knowledge of health workers in critical areas of primary healthcare delivery.

He identified immunisation services and outreach, maternal and infant health, nutrition, health information management, disease prevention, community mobilisation and other emerging challenges as areas requiring sustained attention.

Lawan further urged the government to continue investing in the training and retraining of health workers while strengthening health training institutions across the state.

He called for the establishment or strengthening of Colleges of Health Technology and other health science institutions across the state's senatorial zones to enable Jigawa to produce more qualified and competent health personnel locally to meet the growing healthcare needs of its population.

The MHWUN chairman also appealed for sustained attention to the welfare and career progression of health workers, including timely promotions, capacity development and payment of legitimate entitlements.

He said improved welfare and continuous professional development would help motivate the workforce and enhance the quality of healthcare services delivered to the people.

Lawan assured that the knowledge and skills acquired by participants at the workshop would translate into improved services across primary healthcare facilities and communities throughout Jigawa State.