In a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s health infrastructure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the country. This move, described by government officials as a cornerstone of the administration’s broader health sector reform agenda, is expected to bring medical services closer to the grassroots and improve access to essential healthcare for millions of Nigerians.
A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Health Sector
Primary Healthcare Centres are the foundation of any strong health system. They provide critical services such as maternal and child healthcare, immunizations, basic diagnostics, health education, and the management of common illnesses. With Nigeria’s population now exceeding 220 million and growing rapidly, there has been increasing pressure on existing health facilities—many of which are either overstretched or non-functional, especially in rural areas.
President Tinubu’s approval of these new PHCs signals a renewed commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), aligning with global standards and the goals outlined in the National Health Policy.
“Our mission is to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind when it comes to accessing quality and affordable healthcare. This rollout of new PHCs is only the beginning,” a senior official in the Federal Ministry of Health said during a press briefing in Abuja.
Why This Initiative Matters
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Improved Access to Healthcare: With over 8,800 new centres planned, residents in remote or underserved areas will no longer have to travel long distances for basic medical attention.
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Reduction in Maternal and Child Mortality: Nigeria still records some of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. Functional PHCs, equipped with trained health workers, can significantly reduce these preventable deaths.
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Job Creation and Training: The new PHCs will require thousands of new health workers—including nurses, midwives, and community health extension workers—creating job opportunities and boosting the local health workforce.
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Decentralization of Health Services: Rather than relying solely on overstretched tertiary and secondary hospitals in urban centres, PHCs provide early intervention and prevent minor health issues from becoming major emergencies.
Implementation Strategy
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the rollout will be phased, starting with states most in need based on healthcare accessibility metrics. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) will play a key role in the funding, equipment supply, and operational sustainability of the PHCs.
States are also expected to collaborate through their Primary Healthcare Development Agencies (SPHDAs), in line with the federal government’s “One PHC per Ward” policy championed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Experts Applaud the Move
Health analysts and policy experts have commended the decision. Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized during a recent health summit that reviving and expanding PHC infrastructure is a non-negotiable priority for the administration.
“With the right governance and funding structure in place, this initiative can be a historic turning point in achieving health equity in Nigeria,” said Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, a global health advocate, during an interview with Channels TV.
Challenges Ahead
While the approval is widely welcomed, implementation will be critical. Previous administrations have also initiated health infrastructure programs that faltered due to poor execution, lack of continuity, or corruption.
Experts warn that without a strong monitoring and accountability framework, these centres may suffer the same fate as many existing facilities that are underfunded and understaffed.
What This Means for Nigerians
For the everyday Nigerian, especially those in rural communities, this development could mean shorter waits, faster treatments, and more lives saved. It also represents a shift in how healthcare is viewed—not as a privilege, but as a fundamental human right.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s approval of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres is not just a policy announcement—it is a bold move that, if properly implemented, could redefine Nigeria’s healthcare landscape for generations to come. As stakeholders across the health and development sectors monitor progress, one thing is clear: a healthier Nigeria is a stronger Nigeria.
References:
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National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Reports
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Federal Ministry of Health Press Briefing – March 2025
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Channels Television Interview with Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor
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WHO – Universal Health Coverage in Africa
Last Updated on April 6, 2025 by kingstar
