Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders in parts of North Central Nigeria have identified insecurity and inadequate funding as the primary obstacles hindering the effectiveness of Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs). These concerns were voiced in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, highlighting the challenges faced by these essential healthcare facilities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, many PHCs in Plateau state are non-operational. Those that are functional often lack essential facilities or adequate manpower due to funding constraints, non-implementation of policies, and a lack of political will from the government. Aluko noted that these issues have led to a deterioration in the quality of essential healthcare services, including inadequate equipment and a scarcity of essential drugs.
He recounted the establishment of PHCs in the 1980s by the then Minister of Health, Prof. Olukoye Ransome-Kuti, which significantly improved Nigeria’s healthcare indices and attracted international patients. However, over time, these gains have diminished, with the functionality of PHCs continuously declining.
Aluko called for governmental action at all levels to prioritize PHCs through adequate funding, timely release of funds, effective policy implementation, and recruitment of sufficient personnel.
Gad Shamaki of the CLEEN Foundation, an NGO, echoed similar sentiments, noting that most PHCs, particularly in rural areas, are not operational despite efforts by some local governments to deploy National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) doctors and nurses. Shamaki urged local government authorities to revive these centers by ensuring the provision of essential drugs and collaborating with the NYSC for personnel deployment.
Residents of different areas in Jos also shared their experiences with the local PHCs. Mrs. Ngozi Obi from Apata in Jos North LGA reported that the PHC in her community was not operational. Conversely, Mrs. Simi Chollom from Bukuru Lowcost in Jos metropolis mentioned that while their PHC was open, it frequently lacked essential drugs. In contrast, Mr. James Paul from JMDB layout stated that their local PHC was operational and conducted various medical tests.
In Benue, stakeholders identified raging insecurity in rural communities as the main reason for the non-functionality of PHCs. A retired Community Health Worker, Mr. Mbaiorga Kunde, explained that constant farmers-herders clashes have made PHCs ineffective, with personnel unable to safely access these facilities. He cited Kwande LGA as an example, where council wards have been deserted for years due to insecurity.
Miss Veronica Oche, a nurse in Makurdi, added that inadequate drug supply, non-medical consumables, and erratic power supply were also significant challenges. Additionally, she pointed out the shortage of personnel as a factor impeding PHC operations.
Mr. Theophilus Anhwange, a Makurdi resident, suggested equipping PHCs with essential drugs, personnel, and basic facilities as a solution to revive these critical healthcare units.
These revelations underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the challenges facing PHCs in North Central Nigeria, essential for providing basic healthcare to the populace.