Stakeholders have called for the revitalisation of Primary Health Care (PHC), centres in Oyo State, stressing the need to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.
The officer in charge at Elewura PHC, Mrs Omolara Oladipupo said that, with timely renovations, the centre would attract more patients and offer improved services to the community.
She called on the state government to support the centre with upgraded structures and medical facilities, including laboratories and wards, to enable comprehensive patient care.
“This centre has served the community since 2008. With needed upgrades and better facilities, it can serve even more effectively,” she noted.
Oladipupo also emphasised the importance of a regular drug supply to meet increasing patient demand and reduce the need for external purchases by the community.
“We currently receive drugs every few months, but a monthly supply would greatly improve patient outcomes and strengthen trust in the health system,” she said.
At Bolumole PHC, a staff member noted the growing number of patients seeking care, and expressed hope that upcoming renovations would provide more space and essential amenities.
She said; “With more room for consultation and delivery, we can provide even better services. The community is responding positively, we just need the space and equipment.”
Another healthcare worker at the Estate and Aged Clinic in Oluyole highlighted the team’s commitment in spite of challenges, and looked forward to upgrades already ongoing across the state.
“We are doing our best with what we have. Once power, water, and equipment are available, this centre can operate at full potential,” the officer said.
The health worker stated that patients were treated for minor ailments and, when available, drugs were provided free.
“We look forward to consistent drug supplies to improve care delivery,” she said.
Responding to these developments, Dr Muideen Olatunji, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to PHC revitalisation.
Olatunji confirmed that over 300 of the state’s more than 700 PHCs had already been renovated, and that government efforts were ongoing to upgrade one centre in each of the 351 political wards.
He also noted that 264 of the renovated facilities had been equipped, with others undergoing similar transformation to ensure each ward had at least one fully functional PHC.
“To support expanded services, the state is currently recruiting 3,933 health workers, including doctors, nurses, support staff, and security personnel, to strengthen capacity at grassroots level,” Olatunji said.
He further announced plans to eventually upgrade two PHCs per ward following completion of the first phase, ensuring wider access to healthcare in underserved communities.
NAN