JALINGO — The Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency (TSPHCDA) has announced a major infrastructure upgrade across 113 primary healthcare centres in the state as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services at the grassroots.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Tukura Nuhu Nyigwa, disclosed this on Wednesday in Jalingo while briefing journalists on the achievements, interventions and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery across Taraba.
Nyigwa said the ongoing intervention covers 113 of the 168 primary healthcare centres under the state government’s administration, with the facilities being upgraded to Level Two standards.
According to him, the projects are designed to address some of the major infrastructure challenges affecting primary healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities.
90 Centres Already Completed
The Executive Secretary disclosed that approximately 90 of the 113 facilities have been completed, while work is ongoing at the remaining centres.
He expressed optimism that the outstanding projects would be completed within the coming days or weeks.
The upgrades include the construction of perimeter fencing to improve security and prevent encroachment, as well as the restructuring of main clinic buildings to provide a more conducive environment for patients and healthcare workers.
The facilities are also being equipped with 5kVA solar power systems to provide electricity and motorised boreholes to improve access to water.
Nyigwa stressed the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene to effective healthcare delivery.
“Access to water, sanitation and hygiene is critical to preventing the spread of diseases within healthcare facilities and the surrounding communities,” he said.
NPHCDA Revitalises Three Facilities
Beyond the state government’s intervention, Nyigwa said three primary healthcare centres had also been revitalised to Level Two standards with support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
The facilities are Didan Primary Health Care Centre in Kurmi Local Government Area, Tsukundi Primary Health Care Centre in Wukari Local Government Area and Lau Township Primary Health Care Centre.
According to Nyigwa, the three facilities are strategically distributed across Taraba’s three senatorial zones to expand access to improved healthcare services.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, for their support towards strengthening primary healthcare delivery in the country.
Global Fund Supports 13 Centres
The agency also disclosed that the state government is collaborating with development partners to further expand healthcare infrastructure across Taraba.
Nyigwa said the Global Fund is currently supporting the upgrading of 13 primary healthcare centres in the state.
He described the intervention as an example of the benefits that can be achieved when government works closely with development partners to address critical gaps in the healthcare sector.
Among the facilities benefiting from the Global Fund intervention is Gunduma Primary Health Care Centre, which is undergoing major renovation.
The intervention is expected to improve the facility’s physical environment and enhance its capacity to provide essential healthcare services to residents of the surrounding communities.
Strengthening Healthcare at the Grassroots
The scale of the ongoing interventions represents a significant push to improve primary healthcare infrastructure in Taraba, particularly as many residents depend on primary healthcare centres as their first point of contact with the health system.
Beyond buildings, the provision of electricity and water is expected to address some of the practical challenges that affect healthcare workers and patients, while improved security could help protect health facilities and their equipment.
Nyigwa assured residents that the agency would continue to prioritise the strengthening of primary healthcare infrastructure across the state.
He said continued collaboration with the state government and development partners would remain critical to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents, particularly those in rural communities, have better access to essential health services.
“Strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure remains a priority for the agency, and we will continue to work with government and our development partners to improve healthcare delivery across Taraba,” he said.
With 90 of the 113 state-supported facilities already completed, attention will now shift to the completion of the remaining centres and, importantly, the effective maintenance and utilisation of the upgraded facilities once the projects are delivered.
For communities across Taraba, the ultimate measure of the interventions will be whether the improved infrastructure translates into better access, reliable basic services, safer facilities and improved healthcare outcomes for residents.
