By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
In a bid to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria, stakeholders are advocating for the revitalisation of Primary Health Care (PHC) centres, with special focus on grassroots communities across Oyo State.
A recent visit by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to PHCs in Ibadan South-West highlights increasing awareness of the need to upgrade facilities for improved healthcare delivery.
A NAN correspondent who toured centres in the area on Wednesday, observed opportunities for improvement in infrastructure and equipment to further support quality healthcare delivery in the local communities.
The PHCs visited, including Elewura, Bolumole, Oluyole, Akere, Estate and Aged Health Centres, showed strong potential for revitalisation, and staff were optimistic about ongoing reforms.
At Elewura and Akere centres, for example, staff were eager for the infrastructure upgrade and government support already reaching other parts of the state to extend to their facilities.
Mrs Omolara Oladipupo, officer in charge at Elewura PHC, expressed confidence that with timely renovations, the centre would attract more patients and offer improved services to the community.
She called on the state government to support the centre with upgraded structures and medical facilities, including laboratories and wards, to enable comprehensive patient care.
“This centre has served the community since 2008. With needed upgrades and better facilities, it can serve even more effectively,” she noted.
Oladipupo also emphasised the importance of a regular drug supply to meet increasing patient demand and reduce the need for external purchases by the community.
“We currently receive drugs every few months, but a monthly supply would greatly improve patient outcomes and strengthen trust in the health system,” she added.
At Bolumole PHC, a staff member noted the growing number of patients seeking care, and expressed hope that upcoming renovations would provide more space and essential amenities.
“With more room for consultation and delivery, we can provide even better services. The community is responding positively, we just need the space and equipment,” the staffer said.
Another healthcare worker at the Estate and Aged Clinic in Oluyole highlighted the team’s commitment in spite of challenges, and looked forward to upgrades already ongoing across the state.
“We are doing our best with what we have. Once power, water, and equipment are available, this centre can operate at full potential,” the officer said.
She added that patients were treated for minor ailments and, when available, drugs were provided free.
“We look forward to consistent drug supplies to improve care delivery,” she said.
Responding to these developments, Dr Muideen Olatunji, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to PHC revitalisation.
He confirmed that over 300 of the state’s more than 700 PHCs had already been renovated, and that government efforts were ongoing to upgrade one centre in each of the 351 political wards.
Olatunji also noted that 264 of the renovated facilities had been equipped, with others undergoing similar transformation to ensure each ward had at least one fully functional PHC.
“To support expanded services, the state is currently recruiting 3,933 health workers, including doctors, nurses, support staff, and security personnel, to strengthen capacity at grassroots level.”
He further announced plans to eventually upgrade two PHCs per ward following completion of the first phase, ensuring wider access to healthcare in underserved communities.
“In addition, a Drug Revolving Scheme has been launched to ensure continuous and sustainable supply of essential medicines across all facilities in the state.” (NAN)
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