Alfred Ajayi
The return of Dr Afam Obidike as Commissioner for Health in Anambra State has reignited public interest in his previous tenure, widely regarded as a period of bold reforms and people-focused healthcare interventions.
Serving under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Obidike drove people-centered policies that widened access and improved service delivery. Among the most impactful was the introduction of free antenatal care (ANC) and delivery services in public facilities, a move that significantly boosted hospital-based childbirth and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, especially in underserved communities.
One of the standout initiatives was the introduction of free antenatal care (ANC) and delivery services across government health facilities.
This policy not only reduced maternal and infant mortality but also encouraged more women—especially in rural areas—to seek professional medical care during pregnancy and childbirth. Obidike masterfully led the implementation of the policy which has become a national reference in Nigeria.
Another major milestone was the rollout of a telemedicine programme, a forward-thinking initiative that leveraged technology to bridge the gap between patients in remote communities and qualified medical professionals.
Through this system, residents could consult doctors without the need for long-distance travel, a move that enhanced early diagnosis and timely treatment while easing pressure on urban health centres.
Increased health investments
Obidike’s tenure also saw increased investment in primary healthcare infrastructure. Several health centres were upgraded, equipped, and revitalized to meet basic service delivery standards.
This aligned with the state government’s broader objective of strengthening grassroots healthcare and ensuring that quality medical services are accessible at the community level.
In addition, the administration intensified immunization campaigns and public health awareness drives, targeting preventable diseases and promoting healthier lifestyles. These efforts contributed to improved health indices and greater community engagement in health programmes.
Healthcare workforce development was another area of focus. Training and retraining programmes were organized for medical personnel to enhance service delivery, while efforts were made to improve staff motivation and retention within the state system.
Obidike also played a role in expanding health insurance coverage through the state’s health insurance scheme, making healthcare more affordable for low- and middle-income earners. This helped reduce out-of-pocket expenses and increased confidence in the public health system.
Beyond primary healthcare, Obidike’s tenure witnessed notable investments in secondary and tertiary health institutions. General hospitals across the state were upgraded with modern equipment, improved emergency units, and better diagnostic services. These upgrades strengthened referral systems and ensured that cases beyond primary care could be efficiently managed within the state.
Improvement of specialist care
At the tertiary level, the administration supported improvements in specialist care, including enhanced surgical capacity, laboratory services, and workforce expansion in key facilities such as teaching hospitals. These interventions reduced the need for medical travel outside the state and positioned Anambra as an emerging hub for quality healthcare services in the region.
Infrastructure development was also a priority. Several health facilities underwent renovation and expansion, while new structures were built to accommodate growing patient demand. These efforts were complemented by investments in medical equipment, ranging from diagnostic tools to life-saving machines.
As Obidike returns to office, expectations are high that he will consolidate these gains—particularly the strengthened secondary and tertiary healthcare systems—while introducing new innovations to meet evolving health challenges. His previous tenure reflects a blend of accessibility, infrastructure growth, and system-wide improvements that many hope will be sustained and expanded.
