By Abdul Jelil Adebayo
There is no way one can talk about the Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) without the mention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike.
He has been able to give a supportive hand in the transformation currently ongoing at the secretariat. This has enabled it to enhance healthcare services in the FCT, with a focus on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
As at today, there is a 10% increase in health insurance enrollment, indicating more residents are accessing healthcare services while the secretariat has distributed free birthing kits to pregnant women, promoting safe childbirth practices.
The secretariat has also, with the support of the minister, demonstrated its capacity to respond quickly to outbreaks, such as Lassa fever and Diphtheria, just as it has expanded electronic health information systems, enhancing data collection and analysis.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe is the Mandate Secretary (Commissioner) for Health Services & Environment in the FCTA.
A medical doctor with vast experience in public health and environmental management, she has spearheaded a novel mandate aimed at enhancing health outcomes while prioritising environmental sustainability.
The mandate secretary is considered one of the foremost experts in Nigeria on exploring the nexus between public health and the environment for building resilient urban cities for the 21st century.
Her background as the general manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has equipped her with the necessary skills to drive impactful change.
In addition to conducting regular visits to health facilities, Dr. Fasawe has actively engaged with stakeholders across the FCT, including communities in high-risk areas. Her hands-on approach, combined with effective communication and innovative leadership, has boosted the morale of healthcare workers and enhanced service delivery.
The engine room piloting the secretariat with her is the Permanent Secretary, Dr Babagana Adam, who, alongside the management of the HHSS, has commissioned radiology units in hospitals, such as the Kubwa General Hospital, to improve diagnostic services.
These achievements, without doubt, has demonstrated the secretariat’s commitment to improving healthcare services and promoting public health in the FCT. Dr. Adam, as the permanent secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, has helped in the prospects that can enhance its performance and improve healthcare delivery in the FCT.
Some of these prospects include: Infrastructure development like upgrading of healthcare facilities. By so doing, the secretariat can focus on renovating and equipping existing healthcare facilities to provide modern and efficient services.
The construction of new healthcare facilities; Building new healthcare facilities in strategic locations has helped to increase access to healthcare services for residents of Abuja. Human Resource Development; the training and capacity building by providing regular training and capacity-building programmes for healthcare professionals that has helped in enhancung their skills and knowledge.
In the area of recruitment of additional staff; there is need for hiring more healthcare professionals who will help address staff shortages and improve the quality of care. And with the approval of the minister, medical doctors are being recruited to beef up the professionals.
The perm sec believes technology has a way to improve health care services in FCT.. Adoption of electronic health records. Implementing electronic health records can improve data management, reduce errors, and enhance patient care.
On Telemedicine services; Introducing telemedicine services can increase access to healthcare services, especially for residents in remote areas.
Partnerships and Collaborations; Public-private partnerships. Collaborating with private sector organisations can provide additional resources, expertise, and funding for healthcare projects. What about interagency collaborations: the secretariat strengthens partnerships with other government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations which can enhance coordination, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer.
In community engagement and participation. Health education and awareness programmes. Implementing health education and awareness programmes can empower residents to take charge of their health and make informed decisions. As for community-based initiatives. Supporting community-based initiatives can increase community participation, ownership, and demand for healthcare services.
By leveraging these prospects, the secretariat can improve healthcare delivery, increase access to services, and enhance the overall health and well-being of FCT residents. He plays a crucial role in overseeing the health sector in the FCT. His responsibilities include helping in promoting Interagency collaboration as he works closely with various stakeholders, including the FCT Minister Wike, to ensure a cohesive approach to healthcare delivery.
He ensures the enhancing of the Healthcare Service Delivery as he emphasised the importance of primary healthcare, recognizing it as the foundation of healthcare services.
He encourages staff to be proactive and diligent in their duties, stressing that their performance is critical to the success of the healthcare system.
As regards addressing Infrastructure challenges, Adam acknowledges the need for improved infrastructure, particularly in terms of office spaces for healthcare agencies. He pledged to support efforts to secure better facilities, such as a befitting office complex for the FCT Primary Healthcare Board.
Fostering a Culture of Excellence, as a seasoned administrator, Adam encourages a culture of excellence within the health sector. He has tasked staff with maintaining synergy and working together to achieve the FCT Administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” As the permanent secretary, he has been able to steer the health sector in the FCT towards improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and excellence in healthcare provision.
But there are challenges the secretariat is facing including Inadequate funding; limited budgetary allocation for healthcare services, infrastructure, and personnel, which may hinder the secretariat’s ability to deliver effective services. There is also Infrastructure deficit as Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, including dilapidated buildings, lack of modern equipment, and insufficient facilities for healthcare workers confronting the Secretariat.
There are bureaucratic bottlenecks, in such a way that bureaucratic challenges, including slow decision-making processes, red tape, and conflicting interests, which can hinder the secretariat’s ability to implement policies and programmes.
Community engagement and participation. The secretariat may face challenges in engaging with local communities, promoting health education, and encouraging participation in health programmes. Ensuring that healthcare services meet acceptable standards, and maintaining quality of care in the face of limited resources and infrastructure challenges.
Interagency Coordination. Dr. Adam may need to navigate complex relationships with other government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations to achieve the secretariat’s goals. Data Management and Analysis. The secretariat may face challenges in collecting, analysing, and utilising data to inform policy decisions, track progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of health programmes.
Security. The secretariat may need to address security concerns, such as the safety of healthcare workers, patients, and facilities, particularly in areas prone to violence or unrest.
However, with the support and concerns of Minister Nyesom Wike, the secretariat is out to blaze the trail of providing quality health care services to residents of the FCT.
Abdul wrote in from Abuja via abduljelil2001@gmail.com
