Health Sector Reforms Deliver Measurable Results Across PHCs – NPHCDA

The executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, has said primary healthcare system in the county is recording measurable progress under ongoing reforms, with significant improvements in infrastructure, workforce capacity, financing and service delivery across the country.

At a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, Aina said 2026 marks a transition from implementation to consolidation and scale-up of key interventions aimed at strengthening primary healthcare under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

He noted that the reforms are now beginning to show tangible results, particularly in facility revitalisation, service utilisation, and improved trust in the health system.

Aina disclosed that work has commenced in over 4,113 primary health care centres (PHCs) nationwide, with more than 3,000 already completed in terms of infrastructure upgrades.

He said  the upgraded facilities now have improved buildings, roofing, perimeter security, and staff accommodation, aimed at improving both service delivery and working conditions for health workers.

He added that the number of functional primary health care centres has increased significantly, with over 14,000 facilities, representing about 53 per cent of PHCs nationwide, now operating either as Level 1 or Level 2 facilities.

He explained that Level 2 PHCs are designed to provide 24-hour services, while Level 1 facilities operate during the day and close in the evening.

Dr Aina further revealed that the proportion of functional Level 2 PHCs has increased by 59 per cent compared to figures recorded in March 2024, when the revitalisation programme began in earnest.

He said government and development partners have also continued investments in solarisation, water supply, and sanitation systems to improve service reliability.

The NPHCDA boss said recent interventions include the commissioning of 371 revitalised and solar-powered PHCs across the country in partnership with UNICEF and Gavi.

He added that investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services are being prioritised to ensure facilities are fully functional and comfortable for both patients and staff.

Dr Aina noted that progress on PHC upgrades can be tracked through the agency’s digital dashboard, which provides updated information on facility status nationwide.

Strengthening the Health Workforce

He stressed that infrastructure improvements must be matched with investments in human resources to achieve meaningful impact.

Dr Aina revealed that over 78,000 frontline health workers have been retrained under an integrated primary healthcare curriculum covering essential service delivery areas.

He added that the training programme targets an estimated 120,000 health workers nationwide and is being implemented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

To address staffing gaps, he said the agency is working with state governments to support recruitment of health workers, including skilled birth attendants and community-based health workers.