Orodata Science, a leading civic tech organization, has launched an innovative digital tool aimed at enhancing accountability within Nigeria’s primary healthcare system and decreasing maternal and infant mortality rates.
The new tool, named ‘CheckmyPHC’, was developed under the African Data Hub initiative, and is designed to deliver real-time information regarding the physical condition, infrastructure, personnel, and other relevant aspects of primary healthcare centers in various communities nationwide.
During the launch event in Lagos on Tuesday, John Eromosele, the Country Operations Lead at Orodata Science, explained that the data available on this platform offers detailed insights into primary healthcare centers located in remote areas.
Eromosele emphasized that the ‘CheckmyPHC’ platform aims to equip governments, journalists, citizens, and other key stakeholders with comprehensive baseline data and resources necessary for evaluating the actual status of primary healthcare facilities across the country.
He contended that this would lead to better-informed decisions in such a crucial sector.
He further elaborated that the tool consists of three main components: a frontline data collection program, a frontline investigative program, and the digital platform known as Check myPHC.
Additionally, the operations lead noted that the tool gathers critical health data from the field, analyzes it to uncover patterns, integrates the findings, and presents the information through an easily navigable interface for both governmental and non-governmental 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 attributed the alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality in the country to the woeful state of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs), which serve as the first point of contact for patients.
He highlighted the glaring disparities in healthcare access in rural areas, emphasizing the need for improved governance and strengthened health institutions.
Hannah Naiyeju, lead data analyst at Orodata, presented the initial findings of the CheckMYPHC platform, which analyzed data from 345 PHCs across six states, representing each of the six geopolitical zones.
The analysis revealed shocking deficiencies, including widespread building failures, lack of renovations, electricity shortages, inadequate medical supplies, and low worker satisfaction.
Specifically, the findings showed that half of the PHCs had at least four structural defects, a quarter had never been renovated, and a third lacked electricity.
Furthermore, only a small fraction of PHCs had ambulances, and half experienced medical supply shortages.
Naiyeju emphasized the urgent need for government investment in PHC infrastructure, addressing structural issues and upgrading facilities to bridge the healthcare gap and improve outcomes.
She emphasized the need for consistent medical supply and proper waste disposal in PHCs, stressing that improved healthcare quality is crucial for building confidence and enhancing health outcomes.
Systematic improvement, resource allocation, regular training, and better working conditions for PHC workers are also essential.
Participants, including journalists and human rights groups, highlighted the vital role PHCs play in providing essential health services, particularly in rural areas.
However, they noted that PHCs face challenges like limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and personnel shortages. Naijatraffic discovered that, Angela Onwuzoo, urged deliberate government funding of the health sector, prioritizing PHCs.
She warned that the exodus of healthcare workers has affected tertiary and secondary facilities, requiring a collective solution.
Joke Kujenya, a media trainer, lamented that poor PHC conditions lead to avoidable maternal deaths during childbirth, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare facilities.
Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director of Media Career Development Network, encouraged journalists to scrutinize data and craft compelling stories, utilizing opportunities for career growth.
