Lack of data tools threatens C’River primary healthcare system, network raises alarm
Ani Bassey
The AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Network, ATM has sounded an alarm over the absence of data tools in some Primary Health Centres in Cross River State.
Data tools are used among others to improve patient care, optimize operational efficiency, policy making and manage information quickly.
State Programme Officer of the Network, Victor Ogwuche disclosed this in an interview in Calabar.
He explained that some health centres in the state that lack these tools include the Etomi Primary Health Centre, Bendeghe and Abia primary health care centre all in Etung LGAs which are operating with an outdated register.
In his words, “as part of our supervisory visits to selected health centers, we have noted that a number of these Primary Health Centres lack data tools such as; OPD Register, General Register, Monthly Summary Form.
“These tools are used to get a proper documentation of activities within a healthcare facility.
“They help to Improve patient care, optimize operational efficiency, get a clearer picture of a patient’s health, manage information quickly and also share information with other providers.
“However, these tools are lacking in Etomi PHC, Bendeghe PHC, Abia PHC(Etung LGA) as well as Anantigha PHC (Calabar South LGA)
“What is being used in these centres is the 2013 register which is outdated and in addition to this, the Abia PHC has no monthly summary form while the Anantigha PHC operates without a general register”, he said.
Due to the absence of these registers, some of these health facilities use exercise books to record patient’s details.
He said the State Advocacy Team, SAT of the network has been advocating to relevant stakeholders to intervene in this regard to save the health sector in the state.
He also called for massive employment of medical workers to fill the widespread vacancy across primary health care sector of the state.
The ATM Network (including TB NETWORK, NEPWHAN, and ACOMIN) collaborating with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) on the COVID-19 Response Mechanism/Resilient and Sustainable System for Health (C19RM) Grant.
This grant aims to address health system gaps and enhance sustainable, efficient, and effective health outcomes. By integrating communities and civil society organizations (CSOs) into the healthcare response, everyone can contribute to achieving positive results.
The project, which is in its second phase covers a total of 315 wards, 105 LGAs, and 315 health facilities across 21 states in Nigeria including Cross River State.
Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, Etung, Bekwarra and Obanliku are the five benefiting local government areas in Cross River State.
