Despite accessing as much as N1.3 million from the Basic Health Care Provision Funds (BHCPF) intervention, Bonu Basic Health Centre in Gurara local council, Niger State, still operates like a cash-strapped facility where prerequisites are nowhere to be found.
Yahaya Jibrin, the head of the facility, confided in WikkiTimes that the sum of N200,000, N500,000 and 600,000 were received quarterly from BHCPF. But he claimed the accumulated fund was not enough to put the facility in good shape.
WikkiTimes observes that the facility needs general renovation, as it doesn’t have adequate medical equipment, bed space and drugs. No access to running water while the toilets are in a terrible state.
“The funds we have received so far were used to replace broken doors, bought plastic chairs, mattresses, and rubber buckets,” Jibrin said.
Seven communities are connected to the facility, according to findings. They are: Bonu l, Bonu Tikai, Dagibge, Londan, Chepkeji, Danga and Paita.
Data exclusively obtained from the facility shows that it serves an estimated population of 2,000 among which 200 patronise on a monthly basis.
Jibrin was the only available staff at the facility.
Amina Ladi, a resident of Bonu Tikai, who often visits Bonu PHC for immunizations and treatment of other bruises, lamented the terrible situation of the centre, saying it needs total overhauling.
“Look at the way the building is, the ceilings are already gone, no source of water, no access road and no means of power supply,” Ladi told our reporter.
In addition, Yakubu Danjuma, another resident of the one community believes the situation at the Bonu PHC required timely government attention.
Efforts to reach the government for its comment were frustrated.
Dr Ibrahim Dangana, the Director Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA), for several times shunned interview sessions with WikkiTimes. Also, enquiries sent to him were not responded to.
