In November 2022, Tswanku health facility in Etsutasha ward of Edati Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State got a facelift. This was made possible through a partnership between the federal lawmaker representing Lavun, Mokwa, and Edati Federal Constituency and the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NSPHCDA).
The facility’s roof was replaced, the interior and exterior were painted, and a solar energy system was installed to make the facility less dependent on electricity. Sharu Mohammed, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the facility expressed his delight in the development but also pleaded with the government to do more.
The OIC stated that the facility cannot provide efficient services due to the lack of basic amenities. Despite the renovations, the facility does not have a perimeter fence, there is no dedicated source of water supply, and some rooms still lack doors. The facility also lacks a laboratory and other essential equipment. The OIC further stated that Tswanku health clinic is understaffed, with only one voluntary attendant. He called on the government to deploy more staff to improve the quality of service delivery.
A Tswanku community resident, Isah Lolo, expressed satisfaction with the health facility’s recent renovation but also called on the government to address staff shortage and provide more beds. “I implore the facility to urgently acquire blood and urine testing equipment for our pregnant women,” he added.
The residents of Tswanku and the OIC of the Tsankwu health clinic commend their representative for renovating the health facility. However, they also request the following,
- Provision of a dedicated water source for the facility because a health facility cannot effectively carry out its duties if water is not readily available.
- Provision of essential drugs in the pharmacy, beds for the wards and a well-equipped laboratory so pregnant women do not have to be referred to another facility for tests.