In Ikorodu, Lagos State, inhabitants of the Bayeku community have expressed their dismay over the dismal state of the Bayeku Primary Healthcare Centre. They urgently implore the implementation of measures to rectify this situation.
Upon a visit to the establishment on Friday, our correspondent noted the distressing condition of the building, which included a roof that leaked. The premises were marred by the dominance of overgrown weeds, lacking a proper gate, and featuring a perimeter fence that was broken.
Despite its core focus on providing essential medical services such as immunization, prenatal care, maternity services, child care, and outpatient treatment, the facility is currently constrained to only two rooms. These rooms include the delivery ward and a small examination room utilized by doctors for patient assessments.
A resident of the community, Rachael Fadare, said the centre was too small to accommodate the number of patients attended to daily and that staff members on the ground were not enough.
Fadare said, “The environment is big, I don’t know why they can’t build other buildings or even an extension.
“The last time I went there, I spent about four hours. The staff members are not enough, although they are trying.
“Another issue is the environment; it’s too bushy and not ideal for a health care centre. Different kinds of reptiles would be hiding inside the bush. There are also times when they will say that there is no light to power their laboratory to conduct tests. I think they should have a standby generator or something so that work can be easier and faster.”
Fadare also said the health centre closes at 2pm, therefore not catering for emergencies.
An anonymous local resident revealed that the challenges associated with seeking care at the facility have led numerous individuals to turn to private hospitals instead.
“It’s not that the place is prohibitively expensive, but due to the difficulties, people opt for private hospitals. These establishments provide care and attention with significantly less hassle. If essential amenities, particularly for maternal and child care, were accessible, the community would patronize the facility,” she shared.
Mrs. Patrick, another community member, shared that she chose an alternate hospital for the birth of her second child due to the extensive list of requirements provided by the facility.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, another source disclosed that only one nurse has been tending to both nursing and expectant mothers for several months. The source mentioned that a daily average of 80 women receive attention, and this number increases on Wednesdays when care is provided to children under five years old.
Contacted, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District II, Dr Dayo Lajide, promised to work with the local government chairman and the Director of Environmental Services to address the challenges facing the health facility.
She added, “Because the Igbogbo Primary Healthcare Centre runs a 24-hour facility, it needs more hands. However, I will look at what the movement plans of the nurses are to see how we can rotate more to the Baiyeku PHC.
“The issues of the perimeter fencing and buildings might not be done immediately but will be addressed holistically across the board because it is a capital project.
“However, the bushy environment will be addressed immediately as I have sent the MOH to the location to ensure that it’s cleared.”