NGO Spends N85m On Enugu Health Facilities

The Partnership for Transforming Health System (PATHS), says it  has spent N85 million to improve health facilities in Enugu State between July 2009 and October,  2010.

PATHS 2, an implementing partner with the British Department for International Development (DFID), started operations in Enugu State in 2009. Mr George Eki, the Behavioural Change Communications Officer, made the disclosure in Enugu on Monday in an interview with newsmen.

He said PATHS’ activities include provision of hospital equipment and drugs to various communities in the state.

According to Eki, PATHS under its phase two operations, supported 137 Primary Health Care facilities worth N59 million between July 2009 and July this year.

The PATHS Communications Officer said the organisation donated drugs and equipment worth N26 million in October to the state’s Ministry of Health.

He said that PATHS had commenced renovation and furnishing of health facilities in each of six selected local government areas in the state.

The benefitting councils, he said, are Oduma-Achara Health Centre in Aninri, Amankpu-uno centre in Enugu East, Ezi-Ukehe in Igbo-Etiti, Obinagu Health Centre in Udi and  Adani Health Centre in Uzo-Uwani local government area.

He said PATHS would also train health personnel to man the health centres as well as encourage government to provide them with adequate manpower.

Eki said the system had introduced a public debate called ‘Ask Enugu’ to find out people’s knowledge on health issues in the state.

The communications officer said the debate which would commence by the end of this month would feature policy makers, health experts and other stakeholders in the accessment and provision of health care services.

“We want to make health a political issue so that politicians who are vying for various offices will make health their priority, Eki said.