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The Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) has enjoined governors across the country to allow local government to provide primary healthcare services to people at the grassroots.
MAN noted that this is necessary in order to avoid rampant cases of self medication, minor illnesses and diseases among the people at the grassroots.
The association noted that some illnesses and diseases could be handled and prevented when primary healthcare centres are run and handled by the local government.
MAN National President, Alhaji Tajudeen Ojikutu made these disclosures while addressing journalists during the commissioning of a 20-bed primary healthcare centre donated to MAN Ibadan branch by the family of a former permanent secretary in Oyo state, late Alhaji Jimoh Adedigba.
The event which took place on Wednesday had in attendance of widow of the deceased Alhaja Ranti Adedigba, Commissioner for Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo, Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji, Director of Public Health, Dr Bunmi Ayinde, Chairman, Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Hashim Atere and MAN Ibadan branch Chairman, Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Abdulganiy.
Ojikutu while addressing the journalists said that primary healthcare is under the purview of the local government to provide care for people at the grassroots, hence governors should allow them to function effectively because they are the closest to the people.
He added that the facility was built in order to provide health care services in the areas of preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative medicine.
“Primary healthcare is under the purview of the local government to provide care for people at the grassroots. But the gap is so wide in Nigeria. There is a gap within the heath sector especially at the primary level. Primary healthcare is within the purview of the local government, if they allow them to do it, they will do it better.
“Like I said, the gap is too much. The governors should allow the local government to function to provide primary healthcare services. State governors can stand as supervisors. If they do this, minor illnesses and diseases and the issue of self medication will reduce.
“It may be important to remind ourselves that the P.H.C is established to provide health care services in the areas of preventive, promotive, curative and
rehabilitative medicine. It is very important as a first or basic health care. However, a P.H.C like this is of tremendous advantage to the residents at the grassroot. I therefore call on our primary constituency to utilize it very well”.
MAN Chairman, Ibadan branch, Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Abdulganiy while speaking, noted that the facility stands as a beckon of hope for people within the area such as Joyce B, NTC Road Oke Ado, Oke Bola, Itamaya, Foko, Ososami and Molete.
“This Healthcare facility stands as a beckon of hope, not just for the Mulism Ummah but for every individual in and around this area Joyce B, NTC Road Oke Ado, Oke Bola, Itamaya, Foko, Ososami and to the extent of Molete.
“It is our belief and vision that it will cater for the medical needs of countless individuals regardless of their religion or ethnic background. We have planted a seed of unity, compassion and service to humanity with this establishment”.
Mrs Mulikat Hussein Giwa, who spoke on behalf of the family, said that the health centre will be of benefit to humanity.