Obi raises alarm over understaffing of PHCs, warns of threat to Nigerians

Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has expressed grave concerns over the staffing levels at Nigeria's Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), warning that the shortage could have dire consequences for the nation's citizens. In a recent statement on X, Obi highlighted a report revealing that 97% of PHCs assessed across 16 states did not meet the required staffing levels. This, he warned, could mean that as many as 80% of these centres might be operating poorly.

Obi emphasized that such understaffing should not be dismissed as mere numbers, arguing that it could have severe implications for vulnerable Nigerians, including pregnant women and children. He stressed that inadequate staffing could lead to delays in receiving crucial medical care and expose individuals to preventable illnesses that could ultimately be fatal.

The NDC candidate went on to argue that healthcare is the cornerstone of national development and that without adequately staffed and functional PHCs, Nigeria cannot build a healthy, productive population. He criticized the nation's focus on infrastructure projects over basic healthcare, insisting that true development should be measured by the number of lives saved, the number of operational health centres, and the availability of qualified health workers.

Obi called on the government to prioritize investment in the health sector, to strengthen primary healthcare, and to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable and quality healthcare, regardless of their wealth or location. He warned that the nation cannot progress while allowing its people to die from issues that a properly functioning primary healthcare system should prevent.