By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Integrated Health Program (IHP) on Tuesday, donated 187 Smart Desktop Phones, solar panels, and USB charger cables to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, with the aim of enhancing healthcare services at the grassroots level and improving two-way referral and data reporting in healthcare facilities in the state.
The Integrated Health Program (IHP), a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), announced this in Abakaliki during a one-day training session organized to instruct healthcare workers on how to use the Smart Phones.
Receiving the gadgets worth over N37.8million on behalf of the State Government, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma Nnanna represented by the State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Mrs. Mary-Jane Ikenwobodo, commended USAID -IHP for the donation and their partnership with Ebonyi State Government.
Dr. Ekuma highlighted the alarming rise in maternal and child mortality rates witnessed in the country, attributing it to the poor referral system and emphasized that these Smart Desktop Phones would significantly enhance the efficiency of healthcare workers, ultimately benefiting the people of the state.
“On this note, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to USAID-IHP for this exceptional contribution. The maternal and child health surveillance and response continue to witness concerning trends. Many lives are at risk due to delays in patient referrals, a problem we can now address with these desktop phones. There is no reason for patients not to be referred promptly,” he stated confidently.
“One of our major problems in our rural health facilities is the late referral of patients to secondary health facilities. Some health facility officers in charge delay in making referrals, and by the time the patient gets to the secondary health facilities, the case must have degenerated.
“So, I urge all of you to ensure the early referral of patients. Don’t keep a patient longer than necessary. Don’t handle cases that you know you are not competent to handle. The USAID-IHP has made provision for these phones and solar panels, basically, for you to refer patients that are in critical condition.
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“We have had cases of people diverting government and donor agency’s items to their private hospitals. Let me warn that the state government will not hesitate to sanction any health worker who divert the phones and solar panels to their private facilities,” he declared.
Officially handing over these devices to the Ministry of Health, the State Technical Director of USAID-IHP, Dr. Bartholomew Odii emphasized that the purpose of this donation is to acknowledge the State government’s dedication to the health sector and to encourage further improvements in the state’s healthcare system.
He revealed that aside from using the phone device to make referral calls, other functions of the device include tracking of patients especially those on appointments at the health facilities.
“Referral is very key to our health system. The phones will help to stop the poor indices we have in our country today. With the phones, you don’t have any reason not to refer patients. I urge you not to allow any pregnant woman to stay in your facility to the detriment of the woman and the unborn baby.
“We are hopeful that the phones will be judiciously used. The smartphones will not just be used only for referral. You will also use it to ensure that pregnant women coming for antenatal are reminded of their appointment,” he affirmed.
Appreciating USAID -IHP for the gesture, Oduma Merit Ukamaka, Officer in Charge of Aramehu Primary Health Center,and Mrs. Odo Elizabeth, Officer in Charge of MCH Azugwu Primary Health Center, expressed their gratitude to USAID-IHP for this thoughtful donation.
Affirming that these Smart Desktop Phones will not only facilitate efficient referrals but also streamline patient tracking, ultimately elevating the quality of healthcare services provided across Ebonyi State.