Obi raises alarm over understaffing of PHCs, warns of threat to Nigerians
Obi Raises Alarm Over Understaffing in Nigeria’s Primary Healthcare Centres
Nairobi—Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed deep concern Monday regarding the staffing crisis in Nigeria’s Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), highlighting the potential impact on the health and safety of citizens.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Obi responded to a recent survey revealing that 97 percent of the PHCs evaluated in 16 states do not adhere to national staffing standards. He suggested that these findings are indicative of a larger nationwide issue, estimating that approximately 80 percent of PHCs may not be operating effectively.
“This situation should not be viewed as merely a statistic,” Obi commented. He emphasized that inadequate staffing at primary healthcare facilities could lead to severe consequences for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations, including difficulties in accessing vital medical care.
Obi remarked that understaffed health centres jeopardize timely medical attention for pregnant women and increase the risk of preventable illnesses in children, which could lead to fatalities.
“Health is the primary measure of development in any nation and forms the foundation of healthcare,” he stated. Obi argued that Nigeria cannot cultivate a healthy and productive populace without operational and adequately staffed PHCs.
Additionally, he criticized the government’s focus on infrastructure projects at the expense of fundamental healthcare needs. He asserted that national progress should be assessed based on lives saved, the functionality of health centres, the presence of qualified healthcare professionals, and the quality of healthcare accessible to ordinary citizens.
Obi maintained that access to healthcare must not be determined by wealth or geographic location. He urged the government to prioritize investments in the health sector, enhance the primary healthcare framework, and ensure the recruitment and retention of essential healthcare workers. He underscored the need for Nigerians to gain access to affordable and quality healthcare services.
“We cannot create a New Nigeria while allowing our people to die from issues that a functioning Primary Healthcare system should prevent,” Obi concluded.
