The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Health and State Primary Health Care Development Agency has opened a new Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) expected to serve 80,000 people in Monguno town.
The facility inaugurated on Tuesday when fully functional will be providing 24-hour medical care to the host community and displaced persons.
A statement from the ICRC in Borno said the 20-bed capacity centre would offers a range of services, including reproductive health, emergency care, general medical treatment, free essential drugs, mental health services, and support for survivors of sexual violence.
“With a 20-bed capacity, the centre can provide consultations to an average of 207 patients daily, serving over 80,000 people.
“The PHC is part of ICRC’s efforts to provide sustainable and improved access to basic medical care for communities affected by armed conflict and violence. It replaces the temporary facility in the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) IDP camp, which was destroyed by fire.
“The centre is now managed by the Monguno Local Government Area, with ongoing support from the ICRC for medical supplies”, the statement said.
Serge Zogg, the ICRC’s Head of Sub-delegation in Maiduguri was also quoted in the statement saying that the centre would go a long way in enhancing the quality of healthcare service in the communities.
“Communities in Monguno and surrounding areas face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly after years of armed conflict..
“This new center aims to provide emergency care and address preventable diseases while enhancing overall quality of healthcare offered to the communities,” Zogg said.
The ICRC primary health care program began in Borno State in 2014 where it supported 12 PHC across the state, and is currently supporting seven.
“The support includes monthly supplies of essential drugs, regular staff capacity building, supervision, and community sensitization and educational programs to prevent diseases and enhance community health practices,” the statement made available to newsmen added.
