Published 23rd Jun, 2021

By Socrates Mbamalu

The only primary health centre in Osisioma Ngwa LGA, Abia State, is not serving the community of 20,000 residents, Tracka NG is reporting.

Reported by residents to be in a terrible state, the hospital received a budget of N80 million across three years, but its buildings leak heavily, consequently discouraging residents from making use of it.

A staff member at the hospital said that only one baby had been delivered since the hospital was built in 2020, and that when women visit the hospital for antenatal care, they fail to return due to the state of the hospital.

According to Tracka, in 2018, N40 million was budgeted for the hospital. In 2019 and 2020, N30 million and N10 million was budgeted. Tracka sent a letter to the Ministry of Health, Abia State, to give a breakdown of how the funds were spent, but it got no response

“The essence of a functioning PHC is to be the first point of contact for citizens who have any health issues,” it reported.

“The proximity allows for a closer and more trusted relationship with the health workers. It is easier to catch diseases early and either nip them in the bud or refer them to a second-tier medical facility for proper treatment.”

The hospital, which was to help in stopping visits to Tradition Birth Attendants or self medication, has failed to do that.

“Some people came to the place recently and said what the government is supposed to build there isn’t what they built,” Jacob Nwafor, a community leader who spoke with Tracka, said.

“This is the only health centre in Osisioma. So the government should please repair and supply the centre with the necessary equipment so that it can work well for us.”

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