PHC Inactive Across Several States, FCT

PHC Inactive Across Several States, FCT

Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing fresh pressure after data showed that 3,715 Primary Healthcare Centres across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory are no longer functioning.

The figures, obtained from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency dashboard, have raised fears over access to basic medical care in many rural communities.

Katsina recorded the highest number of inactive centres with 349 facilities shut down, followed by Osun with 326 and Kano with 279.

Other heavily affected states include Enugu, Benue, Delta, Kogi, Ogun and Adamawa, where hundreds of healthcare centres meant to provide frontline medical services are lying idle.

Primary Healthcare Centres are expected to handle immunisation, maternal care, malaria treatment, disease monitoring and emergency health services.

However, years of poor funding, lack of medical workers, damaged infrastructure, insecurity and shortage of drugs have weakened the system in many parts of the country.

Despite several government intervention programmes aimed at reviving healthcare delivery, many communities still struggle to access functioning medical facilities.

Health experts warn that delayed funding, weak supervision and poor maintenance continue to frustrate efforts to improve primary healthcare services nationwide.