Akama Model Health Centre

Akama Model Health Centre

Information reaching us is that the Bretton Woods Institution, the World Bank has provided $1.5 million to the Enugu State government for the improvement of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the state. This comes timely as most PHCs in the state has low baseline indicators. During our data mining session, we learnt that the Ngwo-Uno Model Primary Health Centre, in  Akama, Ngwo-Uno, Udi L.G.A of the state has amongst the least baseline indicators.Akama Model Health Centre

The PHC is basically empty with no equipment; doesn’t run 24/7; can’t admit a patient; an NYSC medical doctor comes periodically; there are no security personnel, electricity, water supply, emergency transport. In addition, the PHC has weak antenatal care infrastructure, no skilled birth attendant, no fridge to store drugs; no quarters for hospital staffers; limited number of beds & chairs; and the toilet is a pit latrine. The PHC has one CHEW and 7 personnel. This is a PHC that serves about 100 patients per day (3,000 per month) especially under 5 children and nursing mothers.

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We are advocating for governmental intervention in the PHC through the #UpgradeAkama campaign. We invite the public to get involved in the campaign today. Help us in this campaign so that the local community members would have access to efficient healthcare provision. This would help to build human capital through improving their health, and ability to fend for themselves.

Media Engagement on #UpgradeAkama

9 November 2016: We were on air for a radio programme on #UpgradeAkama on CoolFM in Abuja. Listen here

State government personnel showed no interest over the PHC and $1.5m

6 December 2016: Our team held a town hall meeting at Akama town hall on the state of the PHC and possible governmental intervention. In attendance were the traditional rulers of 3 communities that make use of the PHC: Amankwo community, Amaeke community and Uboji community. None of the government officials invited honored their invitation. Read more…

No responses yet from the Enugu state governor and commissioner of health

28 October 2016: We sent out FOI requests to the commissioner of health and governor of Enugu State, asking for their costed work plan on the $1.5 million implementations and if they have received the money. We have not heard from either of the offices since then.

Model PHC Akama found in a total terrible state

24 October 2016: The team embarked on an on-site visitation to Akama to track the implementation of the $1.5 million and assess the PHC. The team met with the Officer In Charge (OIC) of the PHC and other staffers. The OIC showed the team around while lamenting over the terrible state of the PHC which was basically empty.

There is a video, this is the link: https://youtu.be/64Xtrb7dYg0

Our team with the PHC’s Officer in Charge