Community members and health workers report notable improvements in infrastructure, staffing, sanitation, and service delivery in Saminaka Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC), located in Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, under the IMPACT Project.

According to facility officials, the renovation included repainting of buildings, construction of a security post, improved water supply, upgraded toilet facilities, and installation of an incinerator for waste management.

The facility also now receives drugs directly from the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA).

For Halima, a resident of Saminaka, the changes at the PHC have restored confidence in the health system. “Since the renovation, we have been very happy,” she said. “More people now come to the hospital because it’s clean, everything has been repaired, and the staff are available. They attend to us much faster than before. Even relatives of patients are always happy when they see how hygienic the environment is.”

Her experience reflects the views of many community members who now see the facility as a place where they can receive timely and quality care. The Facility Manager, Mr Theophilus Iliya, noted that the revitalisation has improved working conditions and service delivery.

“We are enjoying the facility more than before,” he explained. “The building was repainted, a security room was constructed, and more staff were added across all departments.”

Usman Jaafar, the Health Information Officer, highlights improvements in infrastructure and staffing. “We now have access to clean running water in every unit of the hospital,” he stated. “The toilets were upgraded to a water-flush system, and an incinerator was installed to ensure proper waste disposal.”

According to Jaafar, staffing increased from 11 to about 21 permanent and functional staff following the revitalisation, contributing to improved service delivery and increased patient turnout.

Although the facility has recorded significant improvements, challenges remain. The Ward Development Committee (WDC) Chairman, Hussaini Abubakar, notes that the facility depends heavily on volunteers who have served for years without permanent employment. According to Hussaini, many volunteers have worked at the facility for more than a decade, filling essential roles without job security.

Another challenge is the absence of staff accommodation. Health workers commute from their homes, limiting their availability during emergencies and night shifts. The lack of an ambulance further complicates emergency referrals. The facility manager, noted that staff often rely on personal vehicles or commercial tricycles to transport patients requiring higher-level care, sometimes causing delays in urgent situations.

The improvements at Saminaka PHC highlight the progress made through revitalisation investments in primary healthcare infrastructure and workforce development, which is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. While there are still some gaps to address, tackling these issues will lead to more comprehensive care for the rural population.

The Kaduna State Government and relevant stakeholders should prioritise;

• Strengthening workforce support through recruitment and regularisation of long-serving volunteers
• Provide staff accommodation
• Improve emergency referral systems through ambulance provision