The Rotary Club of Abuja Federal District 9127 has urged the federal government to prioritise the well-being of Nigerians by improving primary healthcare services across the country.

Folashade Samuels, assistant governor of the Rotary Club of Abuja Federal District 9127, made the call on Saturday during a free medical outreach organised at Piwoyi Community, Airport Road, Abuja, in collaboration with Silver Cross Hospital and Foundation.

Ms Samuels expressed concern over the condition of the Piwoyi Primary Health Care (PHC) Centre, saying that despite renovations carried out by the Rotary Club, more government intervention was needed.

She said the facility required better infrastructure, essential medicines and reliable electricity to improve maternal and child healthcare services.

“I will plead with the government to do more because coming into this facility, it is really sad seeing it in this condition even after renovation by the Rotary Club of Abuja.

“It is unfortunate that a health centre still lacks pharmaceuticals, while electricity remains a major challenge. We have done our part as Rotarians, and it is now for government to do its part.

“Government can also partner with organisations like ours. We understand it cannot do everything alone, but collaboration can improve healthcare delivery,” she said.

Ms Samuels also urged Nigerians to prioritise their health, stressing that good health remained the foundation of productive living.

Ismail-Adeleye Ibrahim, president of the Rotary Club of Abuja Federal District 9127, also called on the federal government to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the Piwoyi PHC and other health facilities.

He said the absence of electricity had forced patients to seek basic laboratory tests outside the facility, increasing the financial burden on them.

“We realised that because there is no electricity, patients requiring simple tests, including malaria diagnosis, are often referred elsewhere.

“The additional cost of carrying out these tests outside the facility is a major concern.

“As Rotarians, we are exploring options such as providing a generator or solar power, but government must also play its part,” Mr Ibrahim said.

Philip Osung, community service director of the Rotary Club of Abuja Federal District 9127, appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and organisations to support efforts aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable groups.

He said the outreach formed part of activities marking Rotary’s maternal and child health month.

According to him, the project was being implemented in partnership with Silver Cross Hospital and Foundation and the club’s Rotaract members, with pregnant women registered at the facility as the primary beneficiaries.

Mr Osung said the outreach was an annual initiative of the club and that structures had been put in place to ensure its sustainability.

He said the programme was helping beneficiaries to know their health status while providing medications and basic medical services.

“Healthy people are more productive, which benefits their families and contributes to national development,” he said.

Justina Paul, district secretary on maternal and child health, urged the government to strengthen support for vulnerable communities through partnerships with well-meaning organisations.

She said collaboration with development partners and charitable organisations would improve access to healthcare for underserved Nigerians.

(NAN)