In Chanchaga, one of Minna’s largest communities in Niger State, women are accessing antenatal care, scans, and delivery services without paying out of pocket. Yet, the facility providing this free care is operating from a temporary location that lacks basic amenities, including toilets and water.

For women in the community, the benefits of free healthcare are already evident. Ramatu Muhammad Bello, a 32-year-old mother of two, recounted how her neighbour received care for a complicated pregnancy, including a Caesarean section and two weeks of incubator care for her newborn, without paying anything.

“They did not pay a dime. Everything was free,” she said. However, Ramatu, who is also a beneficiary, urged the government to complete the renovation because the lack of proper toilet facilities at the temporary site exposes women to infection risks.

The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) Chanchaga Clinic is a is a focal Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) that serves 700–800 patients monthly, operates 24 hours a day, and provides referrals and outreach services to hard-to-reach communities with a team of 25 staff. It is currently operating from Chanchaga Primary School while its permanent facility is being renovated.

The Officer-in-Charge Hassana Abdullahi Mai Kasuwa welcomed the renovation but expressed concern about the conditions staff and patients face, particularly during the rainy season. “The rainy season is here, and we are sleeping in this school without mosquito nets or toilets. Please finish the good work you started,” she appealed.

The experience at PPFN Chanchaga demonstrates that free primary healthcare can make a meaningful difference when services are available and accessible. However, the temporary facility limits the comfort, dignity and safety of both patients and health workers. This is particularly important for women seeking antenatal, delivery and other maternal health services.

The situation also highlights the need to translate the gains made through BHCPF-supported services into a functional physical environment. Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) prioritises an efficient, equitable and quality health system. Completing the renovation would help ensure that the quality of care already being provided is matched by an appropriate environment for delivering that care.

The Stakeholders, Niger State Government and other relevant partners should:

• Complete the renovation of the PPFN Chanchaga clinic without further delay.
• Provide portable toilets at the temporary site immediately to protect patients’ dignity and reduce infection risks.
• Provide running water and mosquito nets for patients and staff who remain at the temporary facility overnight.
• Minimise disruption from school activities during clinic hours to protect patients’ privacy and ensure uninterrupted care.
• Sustain the free services and outreach that are enabling women and other residents, including those in hard-to-reach communities, to access essential healthcare.

PPFN Chanchaga shows that removing the cost barrier can encourage people to use essential health services. The next step is ensuring that patients do not have to sacrifice safety, dignity, or comfort to receive that care. As the Officer in Charge put it, the good work has started; now, the renovation needs to be completed.