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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State Government has announced plans to upgrade 66 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the state, with at least two facilities in each of the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) set for revitalization.
Addressing a critical stakeholders’ meeting yesterday at SDM Tavern Hotels and Suites in Ibadan, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, emphasized that revitalizing PHCs is a fundamental step toward improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
She reiterated that the initiative would ensure the provision of essential amenities needed for effective primary healthcare services.
“Primary Healthcare Centers serve as the first point of contact for medical care, making their efficiency crucial to the overall healthcare system. The government cannot do it alone; community involvement is key to sustaining these facilities. We urge stakeholders to take ownership and support this initiative for long-term success,” she stated.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of First Health Dynamic Synergy International Limited, Professor Temitope Alonge, explained that three key criteria were used in selecting the PHCs for upgrade in each LGA.
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The first criterion is patient load, prioritizing the two PHCs serving the largest population in each LGA. The second criterion is the classification of PHCs under category 2 or 3, while the third criterion is ensuring facilities have an existing borehole and an alternative power source.
He noted that the project will involve both infrastructural improvements and the provision of medical equipment, including the installation of a 10KVA solar inverter system and boreholes to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply. The medical equipment supply will include essential medical devices such as autoclave machines with gas cylinders, among others. The upgrade will also include the implementation of a Drug Revolving Fund to ensure a steady supply of essential medicines. Security enhancements at the facilities will also be part of the upgrade.
Professor Alonge urged Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and PHC Coordinators to take responsibility for the facilities, stressing that they belong to the communities rather than the Primary Healthcare Board. He emphasized that a shift in mindset toward ownership and accountability would be crucial in maintaining the improved centers.
He added that the same meeting would be replicated in other zones across the state for WDC Chairmen and PHC Coordinators.
The healthcare center upgrade stakeholders’ meeting is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 4, and conclude on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
The three-day meeting will also focus on key topics such as Sustainable Drug Revolving Funds, Security of Primary Health Care Centers, Funding of Primary Health Care Services, Infection Control, Health and Safety in PHCs, Nursing Process and Presence in PHCs, Documentation and Health Records, Electronic Medical Record System, Point of Care Testing (POCT) for Malaria, Hepatitis, HIV/Syphilis, Typhoid, Handling Haemoglobinometers and Glucometers, Medication Dispensing, and Autoclaving and Sterilization Techniques.
