The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has disclosed its preparedness to revamp the cold chain store in the Southeast Zone to ensure the effective preservation of vaccines and other essential items.
NPHCDA’s Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, disclosed this during his visit to Enugu.
Addressing journalists shortly after inspected the agency’s facilities, including the cold and dry stores, Aina expressed concerns about the poor condition of the cold store.
As the newly appointed head of NPHCDA, Dr. Aina brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company and contributed to various projects, including strategy development and organizational performance enhancements.
His background in public health, with a medical degree from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s in Public Health from Harvard University, positions him well to lead the agency.
Dr. Aina’s commitment to revitalizing the Cold Chain Store is a crucial step towards improving primary healthcare services in Nigeria. The agency’s efforts will focus on enhancing the storage and distribution of vaccines, ensuring their potency and effectiveness in combating diseases.
By addressing these critical areas, Dr. Aina aims to strengthen the NPHCDA’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
“I looked at our cold store here and am not exactly very happy with what I saw. I think there are a few gaps in the functionality that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency,” he observed.
During a visit to Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, late Friday evening, Aina commended the transformation of primary healthcare in the state, saying the current administration was well ahead in repositioning that layer of the healthcare system.
“Enugu people are happy with you. The Federal Government is happy with you too for a number of reasons. When we came up, we said we want to revitalise our primary healthcare centres across the country. You got ahead of us. The news we are getting is extremely encouraging and that is one of the reasons why this is the first stop. This is my first visit to any state.
“You have gone ahead of us to commence the construction of 260 new health facilities. That is no mean feat. You have not just talked about it, you have actually completed some. You have awarded contracts for all. It is indeed a great honour and privilege to be here today given all of these strides.
“Beyond what I have just said, you have also focused on health workers, which is another big thing. You know that there is a shortage of health workers in the health sector broadly, but also in the primary healthcare system specifically. You are recruiting health workers of different cadres. You should be congratulated for this.
“We are also aware and we want to thank you because you are one governor, who is prompt to his counterpart-funding responsibility when there is funding needed for health activities and for health campaigns. I have never had to call you to plead to release funding,” he stated.
