FCTA begins process to domesticate CHIPS

FCTA begins process to domesticate CHIPS
By Mustapha Sumaila
CHIPS
Abuja, April 17, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration(FCTA) has started the process of domesticating Federal Government’s Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) programme in the territory.
Dr Mathew Ashikeni, the Acting Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Development Board, disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
NAN recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the CHIPS’ programme in Lafiya, Nasarawa State, on Feb. 6, as one of the reform initiatives to provide essential health services like maternal, newborn and child survival.
The programme is to also address barrier on the demand for primary healthcare services and ensuring supply of integrated healthcare interventions.
Ashikeni explained that the board was collaborating with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to domesticate the programme in FCT as soon as possible.
He said that the programme was meant to engage community members to mobilise people in the communities to access health services, especially maternal and child healthcare.
According to him, the board will commence the pilot programme at Giwa, Abuja Municipal Area Council.
“We are working in collaboration with NPHCDA and the six area councils to ensure that the programme is successful,” he said. (NAN)
MS/JEO/MST
Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Muhammad Suleiman Tola