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Insecurity, funding hamper effective PHCs operations – Stakeholders
- November 6, 2023
- Posted by: Admin
- Category: Health Health tips National Health Daily News update

Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) in parts of North Central Nigeria are grappling with ineffectiveness, primarily due to insecurity and inadequate funding, according to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and stakeholders. In separate interviews, these individuals highlighted the dire state of many PHCs, emphasizing that funding challenges and security issues are at the core of their problems.
Mr. Steve Aluko of the Civil Liberties Organisation pointed out that most PHCs in Plateau State are either locked or lack essential facilities and manpower to operate efficiently. He attributed this to a lack of funding, non-implementation of policies, a shortage of personnel, and a lack of political will on the part of the government. PHCs, established in the 1980s, once played a pivotal role in promoting immunization programs and preventive healthcare, significantly improving Nigeria’s healthcare indices. However, they have since declined.
Gad Shamaki of the CLEEN Foundation echoed these concerns, noting that many PHCs, especially in rural areas, remain non-operational. Despite efforts by some local government authorities to deploy National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) doctors and nurses, these facilities lack essential drugs and require government intervention for revival.
Residents also shared their experiences, with some PHCs not operational at all and others facing constant shortages of essential drugs. In Benue, insecurity, particularly in rural communities, has rendered many PHCs non-functional. The ongoing clashes between farmers and herders have led to the desertion of entire council wards for several years, with people avoiding these areas due to safety concerns.
Miss Veronica Oche, a nurse, cited inadequate drug supply and a shortage of non-medical consumables as major challenges for PHCs in Benue. Additionally, issues like irregular power supply and a lack of personnel further hamper their operations.
Stakeholders suggested that PHCs could be revived by providing basic essential drugs, personnel, and necessary facilities. The challenges faced by these healthcare centers underscore the need for increased funding, security improvements, and policy implementation to ensure the effective delivery of essential healthcare services to communities in North Central Nigeria.