A study titled MyPHC Report, has highlighted the urgent need for improved public health facilities, especially the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Nigeria.
The report, developed by Orodata Science, a data science and analytics company, with support from Africa Data Hub (ADH), has the theme, ‘Revitalising health systems for effective service delivery.’
Country Operation Leader, Orodata Science, John Eromosele, gave an overview of the report at an event to unveil MyPHC Report and My PHC Tool in Lagos.
He said, “The Nigerian healthcare system is deteriorating, with PHCs showing significant infrastructural and operational weaknesses. Our investigation, spanning six states, reveals severe deficiencies in the healthcare system, which operates on outdated data.
“Extensive research was done by Orodata Science across 345 PHCs across the six states in Nigeria, comprising Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Osun, Sokoto and Taraba.’’
He said that the study revealed that half of the PHCs suffered from at least four major building failures.
“Additionally, 25 per cent have not received recent upgrades, struggling with inadequate water, electricity and sewage systems.
“Also, 50 per cent of the PHCs have at least four of seven building failures, and 25 per cent of PHCs have had no renovations.
“On water, 28 per cent of PHCs lack access to clean water, relying on unsafe sources; while 68 per cent of the PHCs rely on boreholes/wells for water.
“Again, 45 per cent of PHCs have PHCN power and 34 per cent of PHCs have no power supply,’’ he said.
50 per cent of Primary Healthcare Centres face at least seven medical supply shortages
According to the report, nine per cent of PHCs have ambulances, while 50 per cent of PHCs face at least seven medical supply shortages.
He said that the investigations showed severe shortage of medical staff, with very few doctors or medical officers, pharmacy technicians and health assistants.
“Although there are many Community Extension Health Workers (CHEWS), and nurses, their numbers are still not sufficient.
“Only 23 per cent of PHCs report satisfaction with work conditions, and there is a 24 per cent gap between deployed and active staff, contributing to poor care and low morale.
“Only 36 per cent of patients find PHCs affordable. Overall, 49 per cent of PHCs are rated as good and effective,’’ he said.
28% of PHCs lack access to clean water, relying on unsafe sources; while 68% of the PHCs rely on boreholes/wells for water
Eromosele said that Orodata Science was dedicated to innovation and development, by combining data science, technology, design, and research to improve institutional reforms.
According to him, it also fosters media innovation, bolsters health systems and facilitates access to inclusive and rich data.
He added that more information could be got from My PHC Tool – ’checkmyphc.org’’.
He advised African journalists, stakeholders and citizens to access and use data for/on health and development.
He said that the app’s features and functions included real-time data updates for accurate information and options to download and export data.
investigations showed severe shortage of medical staff, with very few doctors or medical officers, pharmacy technicians and health assistants
This is for further analysis as it also has interactive map with zoom functionality for location-based data exploration.
Some of the journalists who participated in the investigation and report decried the general state of PHCs in Nigeria.
They also cited instances of barriers to accessing health care services in the locations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the report stated that in Anambra, 66 PHCs across 16 LGAs, out of a total of 277 PHCS in 21 LGAs of the state, were surveyed.
Bad access roads, dilapidated hospital buildings, inadequate power and water supply, dearth of equipment , shortage of medical supply and manpower, were also highlighted as key challenges to accessing services from PHCs.
In Benue, 50 PHCs across 12 LGAs, out of a total of 177 PHCS in 23 LGAs of the state were surveyed.
In Cross River, 62 PHCs across 17 LGAs, out of a total of 577 PHCS in 18 LGAs of the state were surveyed.
In Osun, 69 PHCs across 28 LGAs, out of a total of 673 PHCS in 30 LGAs of the state were surveyed.
Also, in Sokoto, 53 PHCs across seven LGAs, out of a total of 76 PHCS in 23 LGAs of the state, were surveyed.
Similarly, 45 PHCs across 13 LGAs, out of a total of 574 PHCS in 16 LGAs of the state were surveyed in Taraba.
The report called on the government and health institutions to address the urgent need for improvements in PHC facilities.
It recommended the updating of databases, improving infrastructure, enhancing staff welfare, training health workers, enhancing supply chain, improved allocation and efficiency in managing resources to ensure reliable healthcare services among others. (NAN)
