Editor: Ezinwanne Okwuolisa
Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has called on wealthy individuals, organizations, faith-based groups, and community leaders to “adopt” public health facilities as personal projects.
He said this will improve supervision, funding, and overall functionality of hospitals and health centers across communities.
Prof. Ugwu made the call at the weekend while delivering the 251st Inaugural Lecture of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka at UNEC.
Theme: “The Mother, the Child and the State: My Triumphant Journey from Evidence to Action.”
Ugwu proposed a model where respected individuals and groups voluntarily adopt health facilities through long-term agreements.
He said this will supplement government efforts and ensure facilities work optimally for women, youths, persons with disabilities, and poor households.
“States must use equity mechanisms to prevent wealthy communities from having well-funded facilities while poorer communities are left behind,” he warned.
He urged the government to address poor working conditions, insecurity, and poor equipment that are driving doctors to leave the country.
“Fair pay, safe workplaces, and career growth are non-negotiable,” he added.
