This research points out the role of local government in health care service delivery to Bende local government area. It also examines how far these health care activities have been able to reach the grass roots. The impact it has made on the rural dwellers has actually shown the roles of local government authority to which they belong. Health care delivery has been defined as the desirable health services provided to people to achieve the desired medical goals. Some people in Bende local government area have not yet felt the presence of local government administration in the area. Therefore, this project has projected and made clear the role of Bende local government council in the health wise development of all the communities in the council. In view of the fact that local government plays a leading role in the development of community, this study is aimed at highlighting the various health care programmes or health care projects embarked upon by Bende local government area of Abia state. The study is also expected to make recommendations where necessary in order to bring about desired health care delivery services in the rural area with particular reference to Bende local government area. The study shall also determine the extent to which local government affect the health care services of rural communities with reference to Bende local government area of Abia state.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The local government as a tier of government performs so many functions in the community, among its function is the provision of health care services.
This research work seeks to examine the role of the local government in the provision of health care services. Considering the importance of health care services in the lives of the members of the community. It is proper for the government at the grassroots to take part in this activity that has positive effect in the lives of the people.
Bende local government carryout various forms of health care services in the community in order to improve the living standard of the members of the community. These various health care services provided by the local government is what this research work seek to examine.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Local government all over the world has been seen as government at the grass root. In view of its role in the provision of health care services to rural communities.
According to Ogunna (1996) Local government is a political authority which is created by law or constitution for local communities by which they manage their local public affairs within the limits of the law/ constitution.
In view of V.V Rao, local government is that “part of the government which deals mainly with local affairs administered by authorities subordinate to the state government but elected independently of the state authority by qualified residents.
To William Robson in Mahal (2006), local government involves the conception of territorial, non-sovereign community possessing organization to regulate its own affairs.
Furthermore, VenKatarangaiya and Pottabhiram see local government as the administration of a locality, a village, a town, a city or any other area smaller than the state by a body representing local inhabitant, possessing a fairly large amount of authority, raising at least a part of its revenue through local taxation and spending its income on services which are regarded as local and therefore, distinct from state and central services.
Finally, local government which is the third tier of government is primarily established to provide basic social facilities and services to facilitate the process of development and the rural well being.
In view of this, Bende local government area of Abia state which is among the seven hundred and seventy four (774) local governments in Nigeria recognizing its functions such as provision of good roads, hospitals etc. has not failed to make provision for health care services in Bende local government area. Knowing the assertion that health is wealth has taken the bull by the horn in making sure that provision of health care services is important to ensure the wellbeing of communities in Bende local government area.
Bende local government communities no doubt are faced with a catalogue of development and health problems which includes lack of infrastructural facilities, poverty, poor health care services, disease epidemic etc. Indeed the above mentioned problems are the most pressing needs that is associated with the rural areas.
Bende local government area has been created to specially address the above mentioned needs in recent times. It has been stated that Bende local government has played leading roles in alleviating the suffering of the rural communities within its territory by providing good health care services to people of Bende local government area.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Bende local government area is confronted with a lot of developmental and health care problems since its creation.
These problems have very serious implications for the realization of development goals and good health care services.
Therefore, this study was carried out in order to find out solutions to the problems of good health care delivery in Bende local government in Abia state. Hence, the researcher asked these following questions.
1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The role of local government in provision of good health services to rural communities in Bende local government area is of paramount importance. Hence, this study was undertaken towards the following:
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Based on the role of local government on health care delivery, the researcher asked the following questions:
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
No doubt lots have been written on the role of local government in the provision of health care services in Bende local government area. This study serves as a stepping stone in realization of the place of local government in health care provision.
Development and provision of health care system of the communities is a brain child of both the federal and state government. In view of the above, this study aimed at contributing to knowledge as well as assisting government to take informed decisions. This study no doubt comes at the right time especially under the present democratic dispensation that every community is clamoring for government at all levels particularly local government will be better positioned to gain insight into the various ways they should help develop and provide health care services to the rural areas.
This study is to add to the very many researches that may have been carried out by various researchers on the title. This research will also be beneficial to some other research writers who may have need to make a review especially when they are to write on the same title. Indeed the study is a far reading gone in effect and those wishing to go into politics.
The issue of provision of health care services, one that requires urgent attention and it should be embraced by both young and old, government officials and the led. Governance is all about leading people and providing their needs as well as maintaining atmosphere of peace and unity. This suggests that local government role in the provision of health care services is a concern to every member of the community.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The appraisal scope of this study is the role of local government in the provision of health care services in Bende local government area of Abia state.
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
In the course of this study, a lot of problems were encountered by the researcher ranging from inadequate finance, lack of time, uncooperative attitude of the respondents etc
However, the research was successfully carried out. Also this study covered Bende local government area which is made up of seven autonomous communities with a population of about 250,000 in Abia state.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
LOCAL GOVERNMENT: This involves the various aspect of administration or administering of service on local basis by local bodies for the betterment of the local people.
DEVELOPMENT: This can be defined as the desirable socio-economic and political progress which involves improvement in the general living conditions of the people.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Community development is a movement designed to promote better living for the whole community with active participation of people.
HEALTH: This is the physical condition or state of someone’s body.
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