Ward Development Committees
FRAME WORK FOR REACTIVATION OF WARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEES IN RIVERS STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
The Ward Development Committee (WDC) is a component of the Ward Health System and a strategic thrust for delivery of Primary Health Care services. It is basically an effective tool or platform for delivery of services identified in the minimum health care package and development of financial system for financing basic health care services, therefore, making such services community based as possible.
In the managerial structure – the Village Development Committees (VDCs) within the catchment Area, report to the WDC with chairmen of each VDC in the Ward as decision makers. The WDC serves as the apex body for the functions of the Primary Health Centre and other development activities carried out in the Ward. It links directly with the Local Government Health Authority (LGHA) via a representative of the WDC. Also for purposes of coordination and support WDC is represented in the Facility Management Committee (FMC).
Quite importantly, is that members of the various committees are participating on a voluntary and merit basis with transport and refreshment allowances only.
Composition of WDCs:
- Ward councilor
- Head of facility
- Community leader
- Youth leader
- Women leader
- Ward focal person
- Religious leader
- Education representative
- Identify health and social needs and plan for them.
- Supervise the implementation of developed work plans in collaboration with the Medical Officer of Health (MOH).
- Identify local human and material resources to meet identified needs.
- Forward all health/community development plans (village, facility and ward levels to LGHA).
- Mobilize and stimulate active involvement of prominent and other local people in the planning, implementation and evaluation of projects.
- Take active role in the supervision and monitoring of health activities, including the Ward Drug Revolving Fund.
- Liaise with government and other voluntary agencies in finding solution to health, social and other related problems in the ward.
- Ensure that a Bank account is opened with a reliable bank where applicable. The signatures will be given by the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board’s guidelines on the Ward Health System document.
