In 2007, Tayi Village Primary Health Care Center (PHC) was established in Nasarawa C Ward in Chanchaga Local Government Area (LGA), Niger State in a new building constructed near the district head’s residence. However, despite the upgraded infrastructure, the center faced significant challenges due to the lack of essential tools and equipment needed for effective healthcare delivery.
Mrs. Hannatu Sani, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the facility, said this affected the quality of services they provided, and clients lost confidence in the facility. However, “with support from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), the facility services at Tayi PHC have significantly improved. The staff now receive capacity building training, and the facility no longer experiences drug stock outs. The antenatal care (ANC) service is running smoothly, and clients have regained trust and confidence in the facility,” said the OIC. Women of childbearing age who visit the Tayi PHC also express satisfaction with the counseling sessions and nutritional supplements they receive.
Through the World Bank’s Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) programme in Niger State, ‘Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food’ (RUTF) is provided free of charge at the facility.
Rachel Henry, a regular visitor to the Tayi PHC for ANC services shared that women who visit the center receive free laboratory tests and a few other affordable tests that were previously costed. However, she expressed concern that pregnant women are frequently referred to other hospitals for ultrasound scans, as this adds extra cost and inconvenience.
According to Binta Idi, the ANC focal person at the PHC, previously, the center experienced low turnouts during weekly ANC services. However, since accessing the BHCPF funds, the center now records an increase in the number of women coming for ANC services. As a result, about 60 women visit the center monthly, which is a significant increase compared to the 20 women per month recorded previously.
The notable improvements in service delivery at Tayi PHC demonstrate that, with adequate support, primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Niger State, and throughout Nigeria, can operate efficiently and effectively.