The healthcare infrastructure in Niger State is facing a quiet but devastating crisis. Despite years of administrative promises, Chawa PHC in Tafa LGA, along with Emir’s Palace PHC and Kpebegi PHC in Bida LGA, have recorded little to no improvement in service delivery or structural integrity.
A recent assessment reveals that these facilities remain crippled by critical gaps, including a total lack of functional laboratories, no reliable water supply, and a persistent absence of electricity. The shortage of staff accommodation and sufficient medical equipment has further rendered these centers nearly incapable of handling basic medical emergencies.
The Kpebegi Breakdown
The situation is particularly dire at the Kpebegi PHC, which is the primary healthcare provider for over 7,000 residents. The facility is currently in a dilapidated state, operating in an environment that falls far below the national minimum standards for healthcare delivery.
Human resource shortages have reached a breaking point. The facility, intended to serve a massive population, is currently manned by only three nurses and two volunteers. This skeleton crew is tasked with managing the health needs of thousands, leading to inevitable delays and compromised care.
Residents Turn to Traditional Remedies
With the formal healthcare system failing them, the people of these communities are being forced into difficult choices. Many residents have resorted to local herbal medicines, while those with more severe conditions are forced to travel several miles at great expense to access functional clinics in distant urban centers.
“We implore the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Federal Ministry of Health, and all relevant state authorities to intervene immediately and address these critical issues to ensure proper healthcare delivery.”
A Call for Urgent Intervention
The deteriorating state of these Primary Healthcare Centers represents a significant setback for Niger State’s health targets. Advocates and community leaders are now calling for a comprehensive audit and emergency funding to revitalize the centers. Without immediate action, the most vulnerable populations in Tafa and Bida LGAs remain at risk of preventable illnesses and rising mortality rates.
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