Epe, Lagos – In a stark revelation that underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria's primary healthcare system, the civic platform MonITNG has called out the dilapidated state of Ibowon Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Eredo, Epe Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.

MonITNG on Thursday, detailed severe infrastructure decay and understaffing that have left residents vulnerable, forcing many to seek costly alternatives or forego treatment altogether.

The civic platform in a post on X, directly addresses Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Federal Minister of Health Muhammad Pate.

It highlights how the facility, intended as a first-line healthcare provider for the community, has fallen into disrepair despite Lagos being Nigeria's economic hub and recipient of the highest federal allocations.

According to the report, the centre features broken windows and doors that expose patients and staff to weather, a damaged roof prone to leaks, unusable toilets, and a lack of essential medical equipment much of which is obsolete or missing.

Staffing is critically low, with only one nurse and one doctor serving a growing population, leading to overstretched services unable to meet basic needs.

"The health centre is dilapidated and barely functional," the post states, emphasizing how this abandonment reflects broader neglect of grassroots healthcare.

The human impact is profound as residents must travel long distances to other public facilities or pay for private care, which is unaffordable for many low-income families. This has resulted in delayed treatments, reliance on self-medication, and preventable deaths, particularly in emergencies.

Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions are hit hardest.

Women in labor face risky journeys, while children suffer from untreated illnesses contradicting government claims of significant investments in the sector.

MonITNG's findings stem from a community monitoring visit by Tracka, which uncovered discrepancies between official reports and on-ground realities.

The group urges immediate intervention from the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, and agencies like the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to renovate, equip, and staff the facility.

"Access to quality primary healthcare is not a privilege. It is a right," the post asserts

This incident is not isolated as states and local governments' neglect has left many PHCs in ruins nationwide, with dilapidated structures and inadequate services dating back years.

Federal efforts, including billions in naira for health system revamps under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), have been touted, but critics question their impact.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no public response from the Lagos State Ministry of Health. However, a recent press statement from the ministry emphasized zero tolerance for medical negligence and ongoing investigations into such cases.

Advocates like the Nigerian Health Watch and community leaders continue to push for accountability, arguing that funds must translate into tangible improvements rather than urban-focused projects.

Residents of Eredo await action, as lives hang in the balance.