The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to investigate the non-functionality of the Primary Healthcare Centres in the country and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The resolution was based on a motion unanimously adopted at the plenary on Wednesday, which was titled ‘Call to Investigate the Non-Functional National Primary Health Care Centers in the Country.’

A member of the House, Sergius Ogun, who moved the motion, had noted that pursuant to Section 3(b)(v) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency Act, the Primary Health Care Development Agency was established to, among other things, stimulate the technical development of primary healthcare centres on an equitable basis in all local government areas in the country.

The lawmaker also noted that the Federal Government flagged off a Primary Healthcare Centres revitalisation programme in 2017 to refurbish PHCs and establish at least one functional Centre in each senatorial district of the country.

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He said, “The House is concerned that despite the revitalisation programme, only less than 20 per cent of the 30,000 Primary Healthcare Centres in the country are in good working condition, while others are either completely grounded or ineffective in the delivery of primary healthcare services.

“The House is also concerned that most of the Primary Healthcare Centres lack basic healthcare services, essential drugs and services, and infrastructure and are located in unhygienic environments.

“The House is worried that despite the huge resources invested into the scheme by Federal Government, the programme has failed to achieve the desired objectives;

“The House is also worried that the failure of the primary healthcare development programme portends danger to the lives of citizens who cannot afford costly treatments.”

Ogun warned that rural community dwellers will suffer untold hardship that could lead to mass loss of lives if nothing is done urgently to ensure that the PHCs across the country work efficiently and effectively.