A civil society organisation (CSO), MonITNG, has alerted the Kebbi State Government to the deplorable condition in which the Unguwan Jeji Primary Health Centre (PHC) now lies.

MonITNG described the PHC, which is situated opposite the Federal University Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State, as a disaster waiting to happen.

According to the CSO, the PHC lacks basic medical equipment and trained medical personnel to cater to the healthcare needs of the 5,000 residents, comprising local community members and university students who rely on it.

After paying a visit to the PHC recently, MonITNG, in a statement, revealed that the Unguwan Jeji PHC lies in a dangerous state and discourages those in need of medical care from visiting it.

“Sections of the building appear barely held together, with visible fractures running through the walls and foundational areas eroded due to years of neglect.

“The damage isn’t just cosmetic; it threatens the physical safety of anyone who walks through its doors. In fact, the structure now resembles a death trap more than a health facility,” the statement read in part.

Speaking further on the alarming state of the PHC and its impacts on those who rely on it for care, it was further revealed that nursing mothers, elderly people, and pregnant women are often forced to seek alternative care far away from the community, which often results in delayed treatment and preventable complications.

MonITNG also noted that the deplorable state of the PHC and the state of primary healthcare in Kebbi raise questions about budget prioritisation and the government’s commitment to rural health access.

It also appealed to the Kebbi State Government to prioritise the urgent renovation of the PHC, deploy adequate medical workers, and equip it with medical supplies and equipment.

“Despite its proximity to a federal institution and its importance to a growing, youthful population, Unguwan Jeji PHC has been left to decay. This situation is unacceptable. The Kebbi State Government must act without delay. Renovation must go hand-in-hand with equipping the centre and deploying adequate staff to restore its functionality.

“A safe, clean, and well-equipped health facility is not a luxury; it is a basic right. The residents of Unguwan Jeji and the students of Federal University Birnin Kebbi deserve better. Their health and lives should not be at the mercy of a failing building. It’s time to fix this now,” it added.