By Nnedinma Okeke
The Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health (SMOH), Dr Obiageli Uchebo, has urged local government authorities to prioritise primary healthcare through effective leadership, resource mobilisation and accountability.
Uchebo made the call on Oct. 16, during a technical presentation at an engagement meeting held at Best Western Melloch Hotel, Ifite, Awka.
The meeting brought together officials of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), SMOH, development partners, local government mayors, supervisory councillors for health, directors of primary healthcare across the 21 local government areas and other stakeholders.
She said the presentation was aimed at clarifying mayors’ responsibilities in primary healthcare delivery and explaining how political leadership could support health professionals without taking over technical management.
According to her, the engagement also focused on practical measures to improve healthcare financing, facility readiness, workforce support and community participation, alongside measurable performance indicators and a 90 day action plan.
Uchebo said mayors should make primary healthcare a priority in their development plans, mobilise political, financial and community support, and work with primary healthcare directors and relevant state agencies to address service delivery challenges.
She urged them to monitor performance data, follow up on commitments, promote accountability and represent community needs while respecting clinical and professional boundaries.
She identified key areas requiring local government attention as planning, resource mobilisation, facility readiness, essential supplies, workforce support, maternal, newborn and child health, community mobilisation, health promotion, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration with relevant partners.
Uchebo outlined five principles for effective leadership in primary healthcare: making healthcare a visible priority, mobilising resources and removing service delivery barriers, respecting professional responsibilities, measuring results through performance reviews, and protecting public trust through integrity, equity and patient centred care.
She said applying these principles would help translate leadership commitments into measurable improvements in healthcare delivery across Anambra’s 21 local government areas.
Nnedinma Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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