Dr. Omikunle emphasises the importance of investing in sophisticated medical equipment and strengthening PHC centres as essential to delivering quality healthcare and achieving universal health coverage. This includes:
Sustained government and private sector investment to renovate and equip PHCs across all regions.
Strategic deployment of modern medical technologies to enhance diagnostics, treatment, and preventive care at the community level.
Improving working conditions and incentives to retain healthcare professionals within Nigeria.
Strengthening governance and accountability in the disbursement and use of PHC funds, including full and effective implementation of the BHCPF.
Policy Context and Efforts
The Basic Health Care Provision Fund, established under the National Health Act, aims to channel resources to PHC centres to improve service delivery. Recent budget allocations and disbursements reflect increased spending toward PHC, with over ₦32 billion disbursed in early 2025 for renovations, re-equipment, and staff training in thousands of centres nationwide, as reported by Premium Times. However, much work remains to ensure these gains are sustained and expanded.
Nigeria’s path to better healthcare hinges on treating PHC as the cornerstone of the health system, ensuring that equipped, efficiently run primary health centres become accessible to every community, especially the most vulnerable.
Dr. Yewande Omikunle’s advocacy and action provide a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s healthcare future. Her leadership inspires critical investments and reforms needed to transform PHCs into dynamic hubs of health and wellness for Nigerians everywhere.
This pressing issue demands collective effort from government bodies, the private sector, civil society, and individuals for a healthier Nigeria.
If Nigeria is to meet its health goals and improve the well-being of its population, strengthening primary health care with modern equipment and resources, as advocated by Dr. Omikunle, must be an urgent national priority.
This publication seeks to inform the public and policymakers on the current state and challenges of primary health care, advocating for continued support, investment, and systemic reform to drive sustainable improvements.
