Rabi Mustapha

Every visit to the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Jere community now comes with uncertainty for patients under the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme (KSCHS), who go to seek medical care but return home without the medicines they desperately need.

For patients with chronic illnesses who depend on regular medication, the situation has become unbearable. Some patients arrive at the facility as early as dawn only to be told repeatedly to come back later or even referred to purchase their drugs outside the facility.

“I came here to get drugs, but they kept telling me to go and come back,” Khadijat, a KSCHS patient, said quietly while waiting outside the facility. “When I finally returned, it was still the same story. Even when we try to buy the drugs outside, we sometimes cannot find them. It is really affecting us.”

Located in Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, the Jere PHC is a Level 2 health facility and a focal centre under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). The facility serves residents from Jere and neighbouring communities, like Kubacha,  Kushe, and Katiba, many of whom travel long distances on foot to seek treatment. However, despite ongoing PHC revitalisation efforts, patients say the lack of essential medicines continues to weaken their confidence in the healthcare system.

Another patient, Abdulsalam, said he continues to visit the facility regularly despite rarely getting his medication. “I am already on treatment, but each time I come here, there are no drugs,” he lamented, urging the government to urgently intervene.

Health workers at the facility admitted that drug shortages have become a recurring challenge. According to Ruth Dauda, the facility pharmacist, requests for essential medicines are often delayed, leaving the PHC without adequate stock for weeks. The shortage places enormous pressure on both health workers and patients, especially those managing chronic illnesses.

While Kaduna State is making strides in ongoing renovations as part of the PHC revitalisation strategy of the health sector renewal investment plan, it is important not to let drug stockouts negatively impact the quality of care and patients’ experience when seeking health services at the health facility.

This could ultimately undermine the objectives of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), particularly the pillar focused on delivering equitable, high-quality healthcare services for all Nigerians.

Community members are therefore calling on the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, health authorities, and development partners to ensure consistent drug supplies to the facility.  “Healthcare should not end at renovating buildings,” Abdulsalam said. “People also need the medicines that will keep them alive.”