By Jamila Adamu, Bauchi
Established over a decade ago, the primary health care centre in Mararraban Liman Katagum, a bourgeoning semi-urban community located 33 kilometres away from the Bauchi metropolis, is home to thousands of health care seekers within the community and its environs.
The health facility was established during the tenure of the former Bauchi Local Government Chairman, Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garu, aimed at bridging the gap in healthcare demand within the axis.
A recent visit by our reporter has revealed myriads of challenges this all-important facility has been undergoing in terms of inadequate healthcare personnel, facilities, and equipment for a long period of three to four years to date, a reality that limits the health centre from attining its goals of delivering quality health care services to the people.
In an interview with our reporter, one of the health workers in the center, Sirajo Adamu, explained that the situation of the hospital is worrisome, enumerating some of the challenges bedevilling it, ranging from a lack of roofing that subjects hospitalized patients to a tricky situation, especially during the rainy season.
“Other problems include lack of enough manpower, as only six health personnel, including me, work in the centre,,” Sirajo noted. He used the medium to call on the government at all levels for swift intervention to prevent a situation whereby patients contract other ailments at the healthcare centre rather than recovery as a result of its terrible condition.
When contacted, Sarkin Yamman Mararraban Liman Katagum, a traditional title holder in the area, Salisu Aliyu, expressed dismay over the state of the primary healthcare centre, which according to him requires urgent intervention by not only the government but also wealthy individuals, among others.
The Sarkin Yamma, who decried the present situation of the hospital while commending the efforts by the staff over its maintenance, explained that they have been complaining to their member house of representatives on the need for possible assistance, but their cry is not yet to be heard and answered.
Some concerned community members, Lawal Abdullahi and Musa Yakubu, have expressed their concern over the dilapidated condition of the hospital, describing it as a health facility that accommodates a large expanse of the Mararraba area and its neighbouring settlements, calling on the government to come to their aid.
An outpatient, Hauwa Sa’idu, who frequently visits the hospital for medical attention, believed that the government, non-governmental organisations, as well as Unicef must come to the rescue of their healthcare centre to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare services in the area.
it is hoped that the government and other development partners will attend to the health needs of the people of Mararraban Liman Katagum and its neighbours by rehabilitating the only health care service provider in the area as part of the responsibility of the government and as a democratic dividend the community deserves to enjoy.
