Abuja:The Federal Government has announced the revitalization of 4,434 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the nation in an effort to enhance access to quality healthcare services.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), disclosed this development during the agency’s quarterly media briefing. He noted that the reforms were initiated after an assessment revealed that many primary health centres were in poor condition at the start of the current administration’s health sector reforms.
The agency embarked on a reform program aimed at improving the service readiness of these health facilities. Dr. Aina expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating that 3,526 facilities have been renovated, commissioned, and handed over to states and local government councils, while work is ongoing in 908 others.
The revitalized facilities are strategically distributed across all 36 states and nearly every local government area to ensure equitable healthcare access. The agency is focusing on establishing one Level-2 primary health centre in each ward, alongside 8,800 Level-1 facilities nationwide. To date, there has been a 59 percent increase in Level-2 PHCs since March 2024, and 53 percent of the 27,000 PHC facilities under active engagement are now operational.
All Level-2 facilities are being equipped with essential infrastructure, including reliable electricity, solar power systems, water supply, and sanitation facilities. Dr. Aina emphasized the importance of solar power in this revitalization effort.
Additionally, the agency has launched a live, geocoded dashboard on its website to enhance transparency and public access to information on primary healthcare services. Nigerians can use this platform to locate nearby primary health centres and review the available services.