In Ganuwa, a community in Danmahawayi Ward, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, lies a primary health clinic which has collapsed into ruins, leaving the thousands of residents who rely on it without access to essential medical care.
The deplorable state of the community PHC was highlighted in a recent statement by a civil society organisation (CSO), MonITNG, after a visit to the community, reports Saturday Guardian.
“The only health facility serving over 1000 residents has completely collapsed. With no roof, no equipment, and no staff, this once vital clinic now lies in ruins, abandoned and forgotten,” the CSO noted.
The PHC’s collapse has plunged the community into a health crisis, particularly affecting vulnerable groups, such as women, children and elderly residents.
According to MonITNG, children who fall ill and women in labour are forced to travel long distances to the main LGA headquarters to seek medical care. The journey to the headquarters comes at a cost that many can’t afford, and their lives are endangered as a result.
MonITNG also noted that the community has sought assistance from the government in renovating the PHC, but all their pleas fell on deaf ears.
“The community has written multiple letters to the Giwa Local Government Authority and their representative in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, but no help has come. They are now calling on Governor @ubasanius to act urgently, rebuild and equip a standard PHC for the people of Ganuwa. Their lives depend on it,” the CSO said on X.
MonITNG expressed frustration over the lack of progress despite significant financial support for healthcare in Kaduna State.
“It’s painful that despite Kaduna State receiving billions of naira in health budgets, and strong international support like from @gatesfoundation, @Gavi, @UNICEF_Nigeria, @USAIDNigeria, and @theglobalfund—communities like Ganuwa are still left behind, with no access to basic healthcare,” the CSO added.
MonITNG appealed to the governor of the state, Uba Sani, to prioritise the healthcare needs of the residents of the community, adding that Ganuwa residents are not asking for luxury, just access to safe and functional healthcare.
“This is a matter of dignity and survival. A new PHC must be built now,” the CSO said.
