Anambra Lawmakers have urged the state Government to urgently seek avenues by exploring Public Private Partnership (PPP) to improve healthcare delivery system in the state.The resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored by Mr Cater Dike Umeh, representing Aguata 1 Constituency and seconded by Mr Lawrence Ezeudu, representing Dunukofia Constituency during plenary on July 28.
Speaker, Mr Uchenna Okafor, who presided over the plenary session of the house, had put up the motion, while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes.Mr Okafor hailed the motion: “I think this motion is lovely because it concerns the life of Ndi Anambra’’.
Speaking on the motion, Mr Umeh expressed worries over the poorly funded healthcare system of the state, especially in rural areas due to the huge cost in maintaining the Primary Health Centres.According to Umeh, the cost of healthcare delivery in the state has been rising exponentially, necessitating a search for alternative mechanisms to reduce these costs, while increasing the medical capacity of the healthcare system.
He expressed dismay that increased mortality rates in order to address adequacies and management constraints.Umeh posited that a number of administrations had begun to utilise PPPs as means of achieving adequate and sufficient healthcare delivery.He was optimistic that if PPP opportunities were explored and measures installed, the healthcare system of the state would be significantly improved and will also generate revenue to the state.
“I am aware that PPP relationships differ in fundamental ways from conventional procurement contracts, in that the key is to develop risks sharing mechanisms that enhance returns to both the public and private sector.The term partnership, which will define between their clarity of goods and responsibilities, and efficient and fair sharing of risks involved.
Public sector cost reduction, incentives, monitoring the mechanisms and dispute resolution, and political support within any enabling regulatory environment,’’ Umeh stressed.The legislators that spoke in favour of the motion were Mr Lawrence Ezeudu representing Dunkofia Constituency and Mr Nnamdi Okafor representing Awka South 1 Constituency.Others include Mr Obinna Emeneka representing Anambra East Constituency and Mr Smart Okafor representing Nnewi North State Constituency.
The lawmakers averred that the use of PPP was one of the surest ways at improving the healthcare delivery in the state.PPP is the way to go; we know that the government may be limited because of inadequate funding. Our healthcare system is not in good shape,’’ the legislators added.They, however, acknowledged that funding was fundamental, saying “with PPP arrangement, Anambra can lead the way in showing quality healthcare delivery by embracing PPP’’.They emphasised that it will help to promote the needed equipment and manpower,’’ the legislators said.
