Expectant Mothers Urge Government to Provide Better Healthcare Facilities in Bonny

For pregnant women and nursing mothers in Abalamabia Community of Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, a routine trip to the healthcare centre can mean more than simply seeking medical care. They are unable to use a properly functioning toilet, they do not have readily available drinking water, and when they do need an ultrasound scan, they often have to travel out of the community. 

The situation adds to the growing concerns of the women, who are calling for urgent government intervention to improve the quality of healthcare services. 

Speaking with Bonny FM Correspondent, Diweni Toby, the women said the absence of basic infrastructure, including an ultrasound scanning machine, proper functioning toilets and reliable access to drinking water, is making it difficult for the healthcare centre to provide the level of care desired and raises concerns about how much more the facility could do if it had the support it needs.

Sharing their experience, they said expectant mothers are often forced to travel long distances to undergo scans before returning to the healthcare centre for further care. They complained that the additional trips come with extra transportation costs, stress and inconvenience, especially when healthcare should ideally be available closer to home.

A signboard of the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

They appealed to the government to also provide functioning toilets and a drinking water dispenser, saying patients and their relatives should not have to struggle for basic amenities while seeking medical attention.

The water closet at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

Despite the challenges, the women maintained that the Primary Health Care Centre in Abalamabia remains an important part of the community and praised the health workers for their commitment to patients.

They are, however, asking the government to match that commitment with the infrastructure, equipment and security needed to keep the facility functional and safe.

The reception at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

A ward at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

On her part, the Head of Facility, Eno Ajeh, says the healthcare centre still faces critical security challenges as it has no perimeter fence, leaving it exposed to suspected hoodlums.

She told our correspondent that the pipes connected to the building are often disconnected by vandals who reportedly break and cart them away.

Damaged pipes at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

Damaged pipes at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

Damaged pipes at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

Ajeh added that the centre has no adequate backup power source when electricity supply fails, creating difficulties during emergencies and childbirth. She explained that the limited solar power available at the facility is reserved for the immunisation refrigerator used to preserve vaccines, leaving other essential operations vulnerable whenever power goes off.

Solar panels for the immunisation fridge at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

Immunisation refrigerator at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Abalamabie

Ajeh appealed to the Bonny Local Government Council to provide a solar power system or generator, alongside an ambulance and other basic medical equipment, to enable the facility to respond more effectively to emergencies and improve healthcare delivery.

She also urged the government to extend similar support to other primary healthcare centres across the local government area, stressing that stronger facilities would ultimately translate to better healthcare outcomes for residents.