Benue govt begins boosting healthcare delivery across state hospitals

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has commenced hospital visits across the state as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen quality healthcare delivery, service integration and sustainability for residents in the state.

Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, who is leading a Joint Supportive Supervisory team, has visited the Comprehensive Health Centre (CHC), Otukpo, while plans are concluded to visit other hospitals.

The high-powered delegation included the Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Matthew Onoja; the Acting Executive Secretary of the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), Dr. Terna, and APIN Public Health Initiatives Benue State Coordinator Dr. Enebi Achimugu.

Ogwuche explained that the joint visit was designed to assess the quality of service delivery, review data accuracy, and provide on-the-spot mentorship to health workers.

He said the visit also focuses on evaluating facility readiness for integration of services, improving coordination and accountability, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of healthcare programmes across the state.

After a tour of the hospital, Ogwuche applauded the resilience and dedication of the health workers and reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Government under Governor Hyacinth Alia to strengthening the primary healthcare system for effective, integrated, and sustainable service delivery across all communities.

The Director of Primary Health Care Authority, Otukpo Local Government, Mrs. Agnes Okoko, and the Head of Facility, Mrs. Maryam Malikanchi, who received the team, commended the initiative.

Mrs. Okoko outlined key challenges facing the facility, including shortage of personnel and inadequate infrastructure, urging the state government to intervene in the areas.

The visit featured departmental inspections, data review sessions, and interactive mentoring with staff, further reinforcing the Ministry’s resolve to make quality and accessible healthcare a reality for every citizen of Benue State.