Benue State Deputy Governor, Barrister Sam Ode, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the timely release of counterpart funds for the implementation of healthcare projects in the state. Barrister Ode made this pledge during the second quarterly meeting with members of the State Taskforce on Primary Healthcare Services on Thursday at his office in Makurdi.
The Deputy Governor, who is also Chairman of the Taskforce, emphasized the need for implementation strategies with cost implications to accompany recommendations during report presentations. This, he said, would enable the government to embark on projects and accomplish them for the benefit of the people of Benue.
He encouraged the State Primary Healthcare Board to involve traditional rulers in its activities and thanked development partners for their assistance in resolving the state’s health needs.
The Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Mrs. Grace Ashi Wende, commended the Deputy Governor for ensuring the review meeting took place and noted the progress made in addressing health needs across the state’s local government areas, particularly in areas with security challenges. She thanked development partners for their support in mobilization efforts.
In a communique presented by Dr. Ene Ochai, the Taskforce recommended the lifting of the embargo on staff employment at health centers, construction of perimeter fences around health facilities, and sustained release of counterpart funds from state and local governments.
Development partners, including the Nigerian Red Cross Society and Rotary International, pledged to support the state government in immunization and community outreach programs.
The World Health Organisation’s State Coordinator, Dr. Mohammed Abdulkarim, commended the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia for its achievements in the second quarter of the year.
The meeting highlighted the state’s progress in addressing health challenges, with Benue being ranked as the most improved state in health coverage in the North-Central zone.
