Many primary healthcare centres operate without electricity, water, drugs, or trained personnel, raising concerns over maternal and child health services in the state.

Primary healthcare centres (PHCs) play a critical role in delivering essential health services and reducing Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate by providing accessible and affordable care to underserved communities.

However, the reverse appears to be the case in Ebonyi State, where many PHCs are in a state of decay and lack basic amenities, including water and electricity.

From crumbling buildings and empty drug shelves to the absence of essential equipment and trained personnel, many of the facilities are struggling to function effectively.

Investigations revealed that several of the centres are in poor condition, with cracked walls, rundown structures, empty drug shelves, and a shortage of trained health workers, medical equipment, and essential medicines.

Many PHCs in the state have reportedly been neglected for years, with their deteriorating condition continuing to worsen.

The situation has denied pregnant women access to skilled care during childbirth and has also disrupted routine immunisation services for children.

Some of the affected facilities include Abina Health Post in Ndufu Amagu community, Ikwo Local Government Area; Elugwu Ettam Primary Health Centre; and Amuda Health Post, among others.

Abina Health Post, for instance, is a facility with cracked walls and a rundown structure, with no functional toilet, potable water, or electricity.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Ovuoba Emeka Phillip, has claimed that the state government has improved and revitalised primary healthcare centres across the state.

Phillip noted that the government has revitalised over 25 clinics in the state to serve as specialist hospitals for residents.