Nasarawa state Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) has sought the support of journalists to enable it achieve the goal of universal coverage on health service delivery in the state.Dr Mohammed Adis, Executive Chairman of NPHDA made the appeal on Thursday when members of the Correspondent Chapel, Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Nasarawa state council, visited the agency in Lafia.Adis noted that the media play a vital role in public enlightenment, especially in reaching those at the grassroots with information that would enhance their health and wellbeing.He said that the agency needed the collaboration of the media to project its activities in providing healthcare services to the people of the state.“We have several instances where dignitaries have told us that we do not publicise what we do in the state. One of such persons is the Sultan of Sokoto when he visited us here.“We know that we have not been having interface with the media but I want to assure you that with my second coming to the office, we will strengthen the synergy and engage media to push the goal of universal healthcare through enlightenment,” he said.The executive chairman pointed out that the agency was open to constructive criticism from the media saying, “drawing our attention to mistakes and errors will bring about positive changes and better healthcare service delivery.“We are all humans. We are not perfect. We have our challenges. We have our strength. We also have our weaknesses and we urge you all wherever you see our weaknesses, draw our attention. We will be ready to make amend.”He assured that the agency would soon have its biannual Stakeholders’ meeting and that the media would be part of the interface for effective health service delivery.Earlier, Mr Isaac Ukpoju, Chairman of the Correspondent Chapel, said that the essence of the visit was to build a stronger relationship the agency for the development of the primary healthcare sector in the state.Ukpoju, while congratulating the Executive Chairman on his reappointment as head of the agency, pledged the union’s support to enable him succeed.“We are committed to working with you to ensure universal healthcare coverage in service delivery in the state. Whatever the agency is doing that needs publicity, carry us along, ” he said. (NAN)
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