Rabi Mustapha

What happens when a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) expansion meets the growing healthcare needs of a fast-expanding community?

In Samaru, Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, a major expansion of the PHC has transformed access to care, reduced overcrowding and restored hope for thousands of residents who depend on the facility for essential health services.

For Amina, who attends antenatal care at the facility, the expansion has changed her healthcare experience. “Before now, the health centre was always overcrowded, and we spent hours waiting for care,” she said. “Today, there is enough space, the environment is more comfortable, and we receive attention much faster.”

Samaru PHC is a Level 1 Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) focal facility serving Samaru and neighbouring communities in Sabon Gari LGA. As the population grew, the facility became overstretched, forcing patients to endure overcrowded waiting areas and limited consultation space.

To address this challenge, the Ward Development Committee (WDC) mobilised support from a prominent son of the community, who donated ₦44 million for the expansion of the facility. The intervention created additional service areas, improved patient flow, and enabled the facility to operate for 24 hours, making healthcare more accessible, particularly for pregnant women, children, and emergency cases.

The Officer-in-Charge, Hadiza Aliyu, described the expansion as a major milestone for both health workers and the community. “This project has improved our working environment and the experience of our patients. Everyone is happy because we can now provide services more efficiently,” she said.

The WDC chairman, Hassan Mohammed, explained that the donation became necessary because the facility could no longer cope with the increasing number of patients seeking care.

He said since the expansion was completed, patient attendance has increased by over 80%, reflecting renewed public confidence in the facility. “The additional space has reduced congestion, improved service delivery, and strengthened access to quality primary healthcare,” Mohammed stated.

Despite this progress, residents say more support is needed. While land has already been donated for the construction of staff quarters, funding is still required to complete the project, which would further strengthen healthcare delivery.

The transformation of Samaru PHC reflects the objectives of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly the commitment to strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure and expanding equitable access to quality health services. The collaboration between the community and private philanthropy demonstrates how local partnerships can accelerate improvements in healthcare delivery.

Government, development partners, and concerned stakeholders should

• Invest in completing the proposed staff quarters and
• Continue supporting infrastructure upgrades that strengthen primary healthcare services for growing communities.

The story of Samaru PHC demonstrates that when communities unite behind healthcare, lasting change is possible. This will ensure that more Nigerians receive the quality primary healthcare they deserve.