Rabi Mustapha

Pregnant women in Ungwan Dosa, Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State, are experiencing improved healthcare services following the revitalisation of their primary healthcare centre. However, a deteriorating access road and the absence of a scanning machine continue to threaten timely and quality care, particularly for pregnant women and women in labour.

Ungwan Dosa PHC is a Level 2 Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) focal facility serving residents of several surrounding communities. Since its revitalisation, patient attendance has reportedly increased by over 95%, reflecting renewed confidence in the facility. Despite this progress, poor road conditions and gaps in essential diagnostic equipment, specifically a scanning machine, remain a concern for residents.

For Rahama Bashir, who recently brought her daughter to the facility for an injection, the difference in service delivery is evident. She said she previously avoided the PHC because of the poor quality of services but now appreciates the changes.

“I came to the facility with my daughter to receive an injection, and we were attended to promptly,” Rahama said.

The revitalisation has also improved the availability of essential medicines. According to Yusuf A. Muhammad, the facility’s pharmacist, the pharmacy store is now well stocked, and medicine requests are promptly fulfilled. He expressed gratitude for the government’s intervention, noting that the improved supply of medicines has strengthened the facility’s ability to serve patients.

However, access to the facility remains a major challenge. Kaku Audu, Chairman of the Ward Development Committee, said pregnant women previously struggled to deliver at the PHC because of inadequate services. He noted that revitalisation has made facility-based deliveries more possible but raised concerns about the road leading to the centre.

“Pregnant women and motorcycle riders have fallen because of the poor condition of the road,” Kaku said, appealing for urgent rehabilitation. He also called for the provision of a scanning machine to strengthen diagnosis and maternal healthcare.

The road condition may delay access to care, particularly during emergencies and labour, while the absence of scanning equipment limits available diagnostic services. These challenges could undermine the gains made through revitalisation if left unresolved.

The government’s investment in Ungwan Dosa PHC demonstrates the value of strengthening primary healthcare services. However, achieving the goals of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) requires attention not only to facility infrastructure and medicines but also to safe access and essential equipment.

Relevant authorities and stakeholders should prioritise

• The rehabilitation of the access road and
• Provision of a scanning machine.

For the people of Ungwan Dosa, revitalisation has brought renewed hope. Ensuring safe roads and adequate diagnostic equipment could turn that hope into more equitable access to healthcare for every family.