A shocking report from Orodata Science has revealed the alarming neglect of a Primary Health Care Centre in Anguwan Dampar, Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State, which is struggling to serve over 2,000 residents due to a severe lack of basic amenities and medical staff.
The health centre, which is crucial for the community’s well-being, is devoid of fundamental resources, including a perimeter fence, functional restrooms, and a reliable water source. The borehole that once provided water has long dried up, forcing residents to rely on costly water vendors for their daily needs.
According to the report, the facility is in a state of disrepair, with cracked walls and broken furniture. It is equipped with only six beds and lacks a pharmacy, functional restrooms, and essential medical supplies. The labour ward is equipped with just four basic tools, and critically, there are no gloves or oxygen tanks available for emergencies.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) at the centre continue to provide basic medical care to the community. However, the absence of doctors and nurses, coupled with inadequate living quarters for health workers, severely hampers their efforts.
The report highlights the dire situation: “Referrals for cesarean sections are frequent, and the labor ward is stretched to its limit. Patients are carried on stretchers that don’t exist, relying solely on prayers for their fragile health.”
Yet, amidst the despair, there are glimmers of hope. Immunization services at the centre have been rated excellent, thanks to a solar-powered fridge that keeps vaccines safe—a testament to what is possible when systems function, even minimally.
The report calls for urgent action, stating, “Repairs to the borehole could change lives. A fence could enhance safety. Expanding the wards could mean mothers don’t have to share beds during labor. And proper staff quarters would acknowledge the sacrifice of health workers.”
Anguwan Dampar is more than just a health facility; it is a battleground where hope confronts neglect daily. The report serves as a poignant reminder that this situation reflects a broader issue within the healthcare system in Taraba State.
The report concludes with a powerful call to action for Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas and Ibi Local Government Chairman Hon. Iliya Muhammad Ajibu: “Attend to this PHC as soon as possible before it devolves into a death trap for the communities that depend on it.”
The time for action is now. The health and lives of thousands hang in the balance.
