Despite Governor Dikko Umar Rada’s administration’s claims of improving the infrastructure of PHCs across Katsina State, Kwatarni Primary Health Care, Karare Ward in Batsari LGA, remains in deplorable condition.
The facility’s condition has worsened health complications in the community and its neighbours, who solely depend on the facility for their well-being.
Locals in the community decried that women, children and elderly men had to travel for kilometres to access health in neighbouring communities, despite health being primary and the insecurity threat.
“The facility is in total shutdown, has been abandoned and has not been functioning for long despite its significance to our life,” Anas Jafaru, who spoke to Daily Episode on the phone, stated.
According to Jafaru, “In Karare and the environs, women don’t go for antenatal and postnatal care; a lot of them have subscribed to the traditional medication, despite its negative impact.
“Sometimes people die helplessly without any medical support or interventions, as no health personnel are available to provide emergency care; hence, we can’t travel to a far location, especially at night, due to the activities of armed bandits.
“Many people have been kidnapped while on their way to the neighbouring community to access health care, so no one will risk travelling at night.
“We urge the government to act, rebuild and equip the hospital with tools and doctors so we can also enjoy and have access to health services.” Jaafaru added.
Restore Kwatarni Primary Health Care Tracker charges to the government.
Reacting to the deplorable condition of the hospital, Tracka, a public transparency organisation in Nigeria, charges the federal government to release the N32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to restore PHCs like Kwatarni Primary Health Care.
According to Tracka, “The centre lies in complete ruins, roofless, mould-ridden, bush-overgrown, and stripped of life, leaving mothers, children, and the entire community totally reliant on other neighbouring communities for healthcare. This forgotten centre must be revived!
The Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, has released N32.9 billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to restore PHCs like this. This is the time to release funds for the total overhaul of this facility.
This is also a call to the people of Kwatarni to speak up in demand for a functional healthcare centre. Your health and welfare are worth demanding! The statement added.
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