Out of 1,255 government-owned and private hospitals and clinics across Bauchi State, only 10.9% hospitals representing just 137 facilities as having at least one general medical doctor attending to patients, a BudgIT report analysis reveals.
WikkiTimes analysis of the report further shows that at least 1,118 health facilities have no single medical doctor to attend to public health in the state.
According to the BudgIT State of States 2024 report, Bauchi State has the highest healthcare facilities across the northeast region.
However, the report admits that there is a severe shortage of healthcare professionals to manage those facilities thereby threatening service delivery and health outcomes for millions of residents.
The report notes that of the state’s 1,255 health facilities, 1,188 are primary healthcare centers, 61 secondary healthcare facilities, and 6 tertiary health facilities. While this number is commendable, the report said the density of 6,608 patients per facility highlights a critical gap in quality healthcare provision.
According to Budgit data, there are acute shortage of healthcare personnel across different cadre in the state health sector.
It reported that only 240 (19.1%) health centres have a present of at least one nurse, 236 facilities (18.8%) have at least one midwife while only 192 (15.3%) primary health centres have at least a midwife.
The Report also noted that only 78 PHCs (6.2%) have access to the services of a medical doctor.
“Only 19.1% of facilities have at least one nurse present, and midwifery coverage is even more alarming, with just 18.8% of facilities employing at least one midwife. Only 15.3% of primary healthcare centers can boast the presence of a midwife.”
“General and specialist doctors fare no better; only 6.2% of primary centers and 10.9% of all state hospitals have at least one general medical doctor. Specialist care remains accessible in a mere 6% of primary centers,” the report noted.
The report said lack of adequate personnel underlines an urgent call for Bauchi to prioritize hiring, training, and retaining qualified health professionals as failure to address these deficits will worsen existing health crises, leaving many vulnerable populations underserved.
The report also recognised malnutrition as one of Bauchi’s most pressing health concerns.
According to UNICEF, 45% of all deaths of under-five children in Nigeria are caused by malnutrition. Bauchi has a 28.2% prevalence rate of acute malnutrition, with over 5,780 children admitted for therapeutic feeding between January and June 2024 alone.
Médecins Sans Frontières and other organizations have intervened, but sustainable solutions require state-led efforts.
The report explained that Bauchi spent N2.02 billion on hospitals rehabilitation and construction and N5.68 billion on medical equipment in 2023.
However, it noted that despite this investment, physical infrastructure alone cannot bridge the gap in essential healthcare services which dearth of human resources create.
