No doubt, when the heart is at ease, the body is healthy and in any society, health is wealth. This is because the foundation of success in life is good health. It is also the basis of happiness.
Good health is not what man can buy but it can be an extremely valuable savings account.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, from the onset on his administration, has sustained efforts towards repositioning the health sector, and his achievements in the sector are impressive, showcasing his commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Anambra State.
Some of his notable achievements include: over two thousand health workers he employed across government hospitals in Anambra state, addressing critical manpower shortages and ensuring that healthcare services reach even the most neglected areas.
Again, five new general hospitals were constructed in local government areas identified as healthcare deserts, bringing relief to communities that previously had to travel long distances for medical care. These hospitals are equipped with modern infrastructure and staffed by trained professionals.
Anambra state offers free natal and antenatal care, as well as child delivery services in government hospitals. Even caesarian and other surgical cases in all public hospitals are free. This policy has significantly reduced maternal and child mortality rates, providing accessible and affordable healthcare to expectant mothers and infants. More so, three hundred and twenty-six health centers have been upgraded, further expanding access to quality healthcare services.
Due largely to Professor Soludo’s commitment to doing more with less, Anambra State has demonstrated fiscal responsibility, ranking third among Nigeria’s thirty-six states in overall fiscal performance and sustainability. This has enabled the state to invest in healthcare and other critical sectors efficiently and effectively.
In addition, Governor Soludo, on assumption of office, mandated the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA), an agency of Anambra State Government, to provide affordable, equitable, accessible and quality healthcare for people. In doing this, the Governor affirmed that good health and good sense are two life’s greatest blessings. Today, ASHIA provides mandatory health insurance, which entitles the insured persons to the benefits of good health care across Anambra State. This can only come from a man of humane disposition, who is always thinking about the welfare of his people.
Overall, Governor Soludo’s administration has prioritized healthcare, implementing policies and programs that have improved healthcare delivery and outcomes in Anambra State. Consequently, Anambra State won two prestigious awards at the National Primary Healthcare’s Leadership Challenge, recognizing it as the best state in the Southeast zone and the overall best state in Nigeria for primary healthcare leadership. This achievement came with a one point two million dollar prize, which Governor Soludo plans to reinvest in the state’s healthcare system.
Indeed, Anambra is now an Eldorado state and reflecting on Professor Soludo’s euphoric postulation in 2022, “if is not broken, there will be no need to amend it”
DR NNAMDI NWADIOGBU
