The Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF), a non-governmental organization, has called on the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency to urgently address critical infrastructural and operational challenges affecting the primary health centre (PHC) in Adankolo, Lokoja.
RECEF warned that the deficiencies are hindering the delivery of quality healthcare services.
The appeal was made during an advocacy visit by officials of the organisation to the Executive Director of the agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa, at his office in Lokoja on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, the delegation team lead, Ambassador Ozovehe Muraina Idris, said a recent monitoring exercise conducted by RECEF at the facility uncovered several issues negatively impacting patient care and service delivery.
According to him, the centre’s leaking roof has damaged medical equipment and created an unsafe environment for health workers.
He added that the disconnection of electricity supply has disrupted essential healthcare services, while inadequate benches and chairs have left patients without proper seating in waiting areas.
Idris also expressed concern over the absence of a dedicated private consultation room for HIV and tuberculosis (TB) services, noting that the situation compromises client privacy and confidentiality, which are essential for encouraging people living with HIV and TB to seek treatment.
“The identified challenges negatively impact healthcare workers’ ability to provide efficient services and reduce clients’ access to safe, confidential and quality healthcare,” he said.
“Addressing these gaps will help strengthen primary healthcare delivery, improve patient satisfaction and ensure that HIV and TB services are provided in line with national standards,” he added.
The Adankolo Primary Health Centre serves thousands of residents within Lokoja metropolis and neighbouring communities.
Another representative of the organisation, Whitney Ekoriko Utibe, appealed to the agency to facilitate the rehabilitation of the damaged roof, restore electricity supply and provide a designated private consultation room for HIV and TB services.
The group also raised concerns over recurring drug stock-outs and called for improved coordination of services to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Responding, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muazu Omeiza Musa, commended RECEF for its efforts in monitoring healthcare facilities and promoting better service delivery.
He assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
“We are making efforts to address several issues relating to TB and HIV. I urge local government chairmen and traditional rulers to take greater responsibility in their respective areas. We shall look into the matter and find solutions,” Dr. Musa said.
