The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has hinted that the Federal Government would explore the expansion and creation of surgical systems and emergency medical systems that can be accessed at any hour with the aid of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs).
The Minister said this when a European Union (EU) delegation led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ketil Karlsen paid him a courtesy visit recently in Abuja.
The Minister said that there was need for better equipped Primary Healthcare Centres, rendering a wide range of services such as; Immunisation, Child nutrition, Health education, Surveillance, and case finding for Tuberculosis (TB) etc. These Centres, he said, should be accessible to patients round the clock.
He emphasized on the need for health professionals from the EU, to occasionally visit, and spend some time in teaching hospitals across the nation, providing mentorship to medical personnel with the aim to broaden their knowledge, and sharpen their skills, in line with international standards. This, he emphasised will improve the standard of health care delivery in Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, said they came to discuss and strengthen the collaboration between European Union and Nigeria, with the view of looking at priority areas of engagement with Nigeria.
He reiterated that it is the resolve of the EU to strengthen health care programmes in the country, re-assuring that this would be achieved through collaborations with the World Health Organisation (WHO). These programmes, he added will be terminated by 2020.
Enefaa Bob-Manuel
Head (Media & Public Relations)
