Public Health Institutions Must Brace Up For Economic Challenges, Says Okowa

By Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Public health institutions in the country must brace up for health-related challenges, especially in the light of the unfavourable effects of the current recession, the Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has said.

Speaking on Tuesday while playing host to the executive committee of Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba chapter led by Dr Okike Clifford paid him a courtesy call, Okowa noted that the people were yearning for avenues to achieve maximal health benefits at minimal cost.

Specifically, the governor said that the prevailing economic crunch in the country has necessitated most Nigerians preferring to patronise public health centres, which they believe will provide cheaper or relatively affordable facilities than private health institutions.

Okowa said, “There is no doubt that the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba is of utmost importance to us in Delta State and people living in neighbouring states. You should continue to device means of managing the situation because, with the situation of things in our nation, most people will prefer to patronise the Centre believing that they will get proper attention and affordable services.

“As a public health facility, provide the best services that you can so that our people can remain healthy.”