A 5-DAY Workshop on 2024 Health Operational Plan Development has been declared open by the Hon.Commissioner for Health Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.
Speaking while declaring open the Workshop, the Health Commissioner said that the Annual Operational Plan serves as a roadmap for health policy implementations.
She restated that it will align the efforts of Health workers towards a common objective, adding that the Workshop will give the State the enabling environment to collaborate and work closely with relevant MDAs and Donor Agencies for effective healthcare delivery services in the State.
The Commissioner was represented by the Director-in- charge of the Ministry, Dr. Hemuka Rock reiterated that the present administration led by Dr. Alex Otti recognized the need for urgent interventions in the health sector which made him declare a state of emergency on health upon assumption of office, adding that the Governor has provided funds for the ongoing renovations of the 3 General Hospitals in each of the three senatorial zones of the state while the process of reviving other General Hospitals is ongoing.
Dr. Okoronkwo further revealed that the State government through the Ministry of Health has concluded plans to establish Drugs Revival Fund to ensure that hospitals and other health facilities in the State do not experience stock out , adding that the Ministry of Health just concluded their medical outreaches where all types of ailments were treated free of charge and free medical eye glasses distributed.
She therefore charged Participants to employ the spirit of teamwork as that will form the basic component for a successful and result oriented Workshop.
Presenting her address, the facilitator of the workshop and Director of Planning, Research and Statistics,State ministry of health, Ugoeze Dr. Angela Ifeanacho, said that the ministry carefully selected key program officers from the ministry, state primary healthcare development Agency,state health insurance Agency, Representatives of NACA,WHO, UNICEF and other relevant MDAs that will serve as a catalyst for the development plan. She reiterated that through the collaborative efforts of these stakeholders, the 2024 health operational plan will be developed to the National health system standard as well as drive the vision of the present administration in health policy framework.
In his remark, the State Consultant for 2024 Health Annual operational plan Development, Mr.Nnanna Eze commended the Governor Alex Otti and Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo for taking a bold step towards realizing the plan for health improvement of all Abians and providing an avenue for Stakeholders to produce an annual operational document and national agenda on health. He said the Operational document if produced, will serve as an annual budget for the Ministry of Health hence the need for participants to pay attention for the desired results to be achieved.
In their goodwill messages, the Representative of WHO, Dr Carol Iwuoha, NACA- Dr Miriam Ezekwe, and UNICEF reiterated the importance of Annual operational plan adding that it will afford the state the opportunity to key into the national health policy plan and thereafter change the narrative of the health sector in Abia State.
Priority areas of interest covered during the Workshop include, Leadership and Governance, Primary Health care system and community participation and partnership for health Reproductive, maternal, newborn child, adolescence elder health + nutrition, communicable diseases, mental, Oral and eye health, Emergency medical services, hospital Care, health infrastructure, health information, health financing among others.
