ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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Year : 2020 | Volume
: 61
| Issue : 2 | Page : 90-95 |
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Assessment of resources for primary health care: Implications for the revitalization of primary health care in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Christie Divine Akwaowo1, Olugbemi Oluseyi Motilewa2, Anyiekere Morgan Ekanem1
1 Department of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria 2 Department of Community Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Christie Divine Akwaowo Department of Community Health, Health Systems and Policy Research Unit, Institute of Health Research and Development, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo Nigeria
Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/nmj.NMJ_113_19
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Context: Primary health care (PHC) is the cornerstone of the Nigerian National Health Policy. The national policy on PHC under one roof is undergoing implementation nationwide as a means of strengthening the PHC system. Akwa Ibom State (AKS) is set to commence full implementation of the policy. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the existing human resource and infrastructure in PHC facilities in AKS. Settings and Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 18 facilities selected from the three senatorial zones of AKS, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: A rapid assessment of selected PHC facilities based on a checklist adapted from the minimum standards for PHC as provided by the National PHC Development Agency. The results were analyzed using Excel and presented in tables. Results: A total of 18 health facilities were included in the study. Human resources available were 276 full time core health workers, of which 48 (17.4%) were volunteer workers. There was inequitable distribution in district and facility type as 122(44.2%) work in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district and 242 (87.7%) of them work in the Operational Base. Basic lifesaving equipment such as resuscitation sets was unavailable in more than 50% of the health facilities. Conclusions: There are absolute deficit and inequitable distribution of available human resources in AKS PHCs. Basic-lifesaving equipment is grossly inadequate. There is an urgent need for more health workers to be employed and provision of basic equipment for the PHCs.
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