The governor of Enugu, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, said on Friday he has sought the federal government’s collaboration in a bid to transform the healthcare sector in the state.

Mbah disclosed this in a statement on X after receiving the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Enugu on Wednesday.

The governor said that the health sector remains a priority to his administration and as such, the Enugu state government has taken significant steps to bring great improvement to the health sector.

He said this is to ensure increased access to quality healthcare facilities by Enugu State residents, regardless of financial status.

“We are putting in place innovative measures to transform the healthcare sector while also seeking federal government collaboration,” Mbah said.

“Currently, we are constructing brand new 260-type 2 primary healthcare centres in the 260 wards of Enugu State.

“We have identified deficits in infrastructure and shortages of personnel as some of the major challenges affecting productivity in the health sector.

“That is the reason we are pleased that the federal government has shown interest in the efforts of subnationals to build a robust and resilient system.”

Mbah announced that the federal government has recognised the roles states play to achieve health indicators, be it maternal or infant mortality rate, adding that whatever the case, the targets will be achieved from bottom to top.

The governor said in Enugu State, his administration is stepping up efforts to use technology and its designed developmental template to address problems and make the system not only attractive but also effective, efficient and functional.

He added that the mass exodus of medical personnel from the country in pursuit of greener pastures gives us great concern, stating that the medical sector has been the worst hit.

“I am glad that the federal government is rising to the occasion, taking steps to ensure that more medical professionals are trained and recruited,” Mbah said.

“We are collaborating with the federal government in the area of Universal Healthcare Coverage.

“We want to make sure that, even before the enactment of the National Health Insurance Act, we would already have our own state health insurance law. Our aim is to ensure that everyone in Enugu has access to quality healthcare.”