Nationwide protest: Bauchi to shut PHCs to protect staff, patients’ lives

The Bauchi State Government has announced that it will close all Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) on the day of the proposed nationwide anti-government protest.

This disclosure was made by Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, during the opening of a one-day Bi-annual Media Engagement on PHC Services Reporting Techniques. The event was held at the Polio Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Bauchi on Tuesday.

According to Dr. Mohammed, “Security reports indicate that our PHCs are targets during the planned protest. We are not willing to risk the lives of our staff and patients; therefore, we will shut down the facilities.”

He added, “On the day of the protest, our health facility staff will be on holiday to avoid being victims of the attack. Normal services will resume after the protest.”

Dr. Mohammed noted that the Board has informed security agencies to ensure that the facilities across the state are adequately protected from any aggression or attacks by protesters.

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He commended the press for its support in reporting the Board’s activities, emphasizing that the media and the Board are partners in progress. Without adequate publicity, the Board’s activities would remain unknown.

He also mentioned that the Board is working to address the issue of zero-dose immunization in some local government areas (LGAs) of the state, and highlighted the media’s role in this effort. “We have planned to immunize children on market days, during naming ceremonies, and at other gatherings where women and children are present.”

Additionally, Dr. Mohammed stated that the Board is collaborating with international partners in the state to monitor and manage disease outbreaks, with the media being kept informed.

He concluded by stressing that the Board has annual operational plans to achieve its objectives of providing primary healthcare services, particularly at the grassroots level.