Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
In a bold and significant move to enhance access to quality health care especially in rural and underserved communities, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare inaugurated Renewed Hope Health Connect RHHC management committee to bridge the gap in healthcare delivery across the country. This was contained in a statement signed by Alaba Balogun, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations.
The RHHCC is a medical outreach programme that will be conducted in selected 55-Senatorial districts across the country, targeting the most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare stated while officially inaugurating the management committee, charged with facilitating the implementation of the special project.
Butressing the initiative, HM Salako said:
” Access to quality health care remains a significant challenge in many parts of our country, especially in rural and underserved communities.
This area often lacks sufficient health care infrastructure, personnel and, essential medical supplies; leading to poor health outcomes, high maternal and child mortality and, spread of preventable diseases. ”
To demonstrate its commitment and avowed determination in addressing these gaps; the federal government, according to Dr. Salako has approved the RHHC programme in the 2025 budget.
He further reaffirmed that medical outreaches are proving to be effective in delivering health care services directly to the people who need them most.
To facilitate the implementation of the medical outreach project; membership of the renewed hope health connect RHHC management committee comprises the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako as it’s Chairman; Directors of relevant Departments, representative of the office of the Coordinating Minister, representative of the Permanent Secretary and, Coordinator National Eye Health Program and, Senior Technical Assistant and Technical Assistant to HM. Dr. Charles Nzelu Director Special Duties Department will serve as Secretary.
The Terms of Reference for the RHHC management committee, according to the Minister, include but are not limited to the following:
a. Work with consultants and firms to engage for this project, coordinate and oversee the implementation of the medical health programs in Nigeria’s targeted 55 senatorial constituencies
b. Ensure equitable distribution of medical services and resources, monitor and evaluate the impact of the outreach
c. Promote partnership with relevant stakeholders, including health agencies, NGOs, community leaders
d. Develop an implementation plan for the outreach, including timeliness and resource allocation, identify priority healthcare needs specific for each constituency
e. Liaise with healthcare providers, medical personnel, and logistical teams, ensure procurement, and distribution of medical supplies and equipment.
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