Pregnant women in Ungwan Dosa, Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State, now receive better healthcare after their primary health center’s revitalization. Yet, a poor access road and the lack of a scanning machine still threaten timely, quality care, especially for pregnant women and those in labor.
Ungwan Dosa Primary Health Center, a Level 2 Basic Health Care Provision Fund focal facility, serves several surrounding communities. Since its upgrade, patient visits have risen by over 95%, showing renewed trust. Despite this, the bad road and missing diagnostic tools, particularly a scanning machine, worry residents.
Rahama Bashir, who brought her daughter for an injection, noticed the change. She avoided the center before due to poor service but now values the improvements.
“I came to the facility with my daughter to receive an injection, and we were attended to promptly,” Rahama said.
The upgrade also improved medicine availability. Yusuf A. Muhammad, the pharmacist, said the pharmacy is well-stocked, and requests are promptly met. He thanked the government, noting better medicine supply has boosted patient care.
Access remains a challenge. Kaku Audu, Ward Development Committee Chairman, said pregnant women once struggled to deliver at the center due to poor services. Revitalization has made deliveries more feasible, but the road remains a concern.
“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 for better diagnosis and maternal care.
The road may delay emergency care, especially during labor, while the lack of scanning equipment limits diagnostics. These issues could reverse the revitalization’s gains if unaddressed.
The government’s investment in Ungwan Dosa Primary Health Center shows the importance of strong primary healthcare. Yet, achieving Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative goals requires attention to infrastructure, medicines, safe access, and essential equipment.
Authorities and stakeholders should focus on fixing the road and providing a scanning machine. For Ungwan Dosa residents, the upgrade has brought hope. Safe roads and proper equipment could turn this hope into better healthcare access for all families.