The Delta State Government has issued a strong warning to Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) that are receiving funding from both the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the state government, yet continue to charge residents for services meant to be free.
This was disclosed by Dr. Charles Eboka, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Delta State Ministry of Health, during an advocacy visit by the Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition (ACOMIN). The delegation was led by the state chairman of ACOMIN, Pastor Gregory Sifo.
Dr. Eboka emphasized that the purpose of the Basic Health Care Fund is to improve access to quality healthcare for communities, particularly the underserved. He described it as unacceptable for healthcare providers who benefit from these funds to still demand payment for services that should be freely available.
He further noted that ensuring accessibility is a major criterion in selecting locations for new PHCs. He assured the ACOMIN team that once documentation is completed and land is made available, the Private Sector Health Alliance Foundation (PISHAF) will commence the construction of new health facilities.
During the visit, ACOMIN’s Program Officer, Sir Austin Uwede, explained that the advocacy was a continuation of discussions with the state health agency.
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He referenced a previous meeting where the Agency had disclosed plans by PISHAF, in partnership with the Jim Ovia Foundation, to adopt one PHC per Local Government Area (LGA). These adopted facilities would undergo renovations, staffing, and operations for an initial period of five years.
As part of the follow-up, Uwede presented a list of PHCs identified through community engagement and field monitoring as being in critical condition and in need of urgent attention.
He noted that these facilities were selected based on the severity of their condition and the urgent need for upgrades.
ACOMIN also held meetings with the Malaria Program Manager, Dr. (Mrs) Julie Aniah, and the Executive Director of the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Paul Yinkore. Discussions centered around persistent anti-malaria service charges and other challenges affecting PHC operations.
