FG, Soludo urge South East monarchs to promote primary healthcare

The federal government and Anambra State Government have urged traditional rulers in the South east to work towards the promotion of primary healthcare services in their domains.

The federal government, through the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, and Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo made the call in Awka, during the maiden Quarterly Review Meeting of the South East Traditional Rulers’ Committee (SETRC) on Primary Healthcare Delivery.

Shuaib, who was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunization (DCI), Bassey Okposen, implored the monarchs to strive to ensure efficient delivery of healthcare services in their areas.

He said: “The traditional rulers, as custodians of cultural heritage, possess the power to mobilize and unite communities as well as shape the health landscape in the region.

“The monarch’s endorsement of primary healthcare initiatives can significantly impact public perception and behavior.

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“They can collaborate with healthcare professionals and experts, to disseminate accurate information about immunization, nutrition, family planning and other crucial aspects of primary healthcare, by dispelling doubts and promoting evidence-based practices. They can create a society that is well-informed and equipped to make informed health decisions.”

Earlier, while declaring the event open, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Deputy, Onyeka Ibezim, emphasized the role of traditional rulers in the promotion of healthcare delivery by the monarchs.

Soludo stressed that his administration has taken a bottom-top approach towards ensuring that the healthcare system in the state is functional.

Chairman of the Southeast Council Of Traditional Rulers, Lawrence Agubuzu, said the monarchs would continue to promote primary healthcare delivery in the zone, saying the meeting could not take place last quarter because of the general election.

He said: “We are here to show the concern of traditional rulers of the South east for the health of our people. As representatives of our people, whatever we decide, we make sure that the decision reaches every corner of the South east.”