A civil society organisation (CSO) that monitors public infrastructure, MonITNG, has lamented the pitiful conditions of many primary health centres (PHCs) in Kebbi State.

In a statement shared on Friday morning, the CSO revealed that 75% of the PHCs it has visited in the state are in deplorable conditions. It described the condition of the PHCs as a ticking time bomb.

“This is not just alarming, it is a ticking time bomb for public health. PHCs are meant to be the first point of access to healthcare for the majority of citizens, but in Kebbi, many of them have collapsed roofs, broken walls, no drugs, no equipment, and in most cases, no qualified health workers,” the statement read in part.

The CSO noted that the Kebbi State Government has the resources to equip these PHCs and improve healthcare delivery in the state, but it fails to utilise them effectively and instead, expends funds on projects it described as misplaced priorities.

“Funds exist, but they are not being effectively utilised to improve the health sector. Instead, we see massive spending on building a party secretariat, sponsoring mass weddings, and financing Hajj operations while the health of citizens is left to deteriorate.

“These misplaced priorities have left ordinary people, especially women, children, and the elderly, exposed to preventable deaths.”

According to the CSO, the neglect of these PHCs has left vulnerable residents of underserved communities, especially women, children, and the elderly, exposed to preventable deaths.

MonITNG also appealed to the Kebbi State Government to prioritise healthcare and declare a total state of emergency in the health sector.

“Health is a fundamental human right, and it must not be traded for politics or symbolic projects that do not add value to the people’s lives.

“The government must urgently rehabilitate the dilapidated PHCs, equip them with essential drugs, ensure the presence of qualified health workers, and provide basic infrastructure that will make these centres functional.”