Sodiq Ojuroungbe
A foremost civic tech organisation, Orodata Science, has unveiled an innovative digital tool designed to promote accountability in Nigeria’s primary healthcare system and to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
The new tool ‘CheckmyPHC’, developed under the African Data Hub initiative, is expected to provide real-time data on the building structure, infrastructure, personnel, and other related conditions at the primary healthcare centres in different communities across the country.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos on Tuesday, the Country Operation Lead of Orodata Science, John Eromosele, said the data on the platform provides people with detailed information about PHCs in hard-to-reach communities.
Eromosele clarified that the ‘CheckMYPHC’ platform was developed to empower government, journalists, citizens, and all other key stakeholders with access to rich baseline data and resources necessary to understand the true status of PHCs in different parts of the country.
This, he argued, would help in making more informed decisions in such a sensitive sector.
He explained that the tool comprises three key components, including the frontline data collection programme, the frontline investigative programme, and the digital platform called Check MyPHC.
The operation lead further said the tool captures essential health data from the field, analyses this data to identify trends, integrates it, and presents the data through an accessible interface for state and non-state actors.
He stated, “On the platform, users can explore the status of primary health centres by state and local governments across Nigeria, download data, and request more. They can also search for specific PHCs in their communities, compare them with one in another community, and view key insights on building structure, infrastructure, personnel, and more.
“We are not here to shame the government, but to discuss how to go about solving some of the issues in our PHCs. This event is to address and find solutions to some key issues affecting PHCs in the country.
“The tool is designed to showcase the challenges and opportunities in our PHCs. We are committed to tackling socio problems and we are open to collaborating with journalists.”
Eromosele, however, blamed the high rates of maternal and infant mortality in the nation on the state of PHCs, which are typically the initial point of care.
He stressed that there are still huge gaps in access to healthcare in rural communities.
He argued that the new tool would encourage sub-national participation in governance while strengthening health institutions.
On her part, the lead data analyst at Orodata, Hannah Naiyeju said the maiden version of the CheckMYPHC platform has data from 345 PHCs in six states including Sokoto, Taraba, Benue, CrossRiver, Anambra, and Osun.
While explaining that a state was selected each from the six geo-political zones, Naiyeju said plans are underway to begin phase 2 of the data collection in about 16 states of the federation.
Speaking on some of the key findings in the six states visited, the data analyst said it was discovered that 50 per cent of the 345 PHCs have at least four building failures, while 25 per cent had no renovations since establishment.
She added that 34 per cent of the PHCs visited have no electricity supply, 9 per cent have ambulances, with about 50 per cent experiencing at least six per cent of the medical shortages which include syringes, and other medical supplies.
Naiyeju also stated that it was discovered that only 25 per cent of workers at the 345 PHCs are satisfied with their work, with about 25 per cent disparity between assigned and active health workers.
Speaking on the way forward, the data analyst said there is a need for the government to improve the infrastructure of PHCs by addressing structural issues and upgrading facilities.
She also suggested that the government needs to ensure consistency in medical supply and proper waste disposal for these PHCs.
She stressed the importance of improving the healthcare quality, noting that this will build confidence and impact health outcomes.
She maintained that there is also a need for systematic improvement, resource allocation, regular training, and enhanced working conditions for workers at the PHCs.
Meanwhile, some of the participants including journalists, and human rights groups, among others called for a renewed emphasis on PHCs.
They noted that PHCs play a vital role in providing essential health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
They, however, lamented that despite their importance, many PHCs face challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of trained personnel.
The editor of PUNCH Healthwise, Angela Onwuzoo said the government must deliberately fund the health sector with priority giving to PHCs.
While lamenting that the exodus of healthcare workers had affected healthcare delivery in tertiary and secondary facilities, she said every key stakeholder must come together to find a solution to the problem before it becomes an uncontrollable crisis.
Also, a media trainer and founder of Media Mentors Leadership Academy, Joke Kujenya lamented that the poor state of some of the PHCs had led to avoidable deaths of women during child birth.
The veteran journalist stressed that improving the poor conditions of health facilities would help in having a better health outcome in the country.
Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin urged journalists to interrogate figures and use available data to tell compelling stories.
He noted that journalists need to be conscious and be able to utilise opportunities around them for career growth and advancement.
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