In an exclusive interview, frontline community pharmacist and public health advocate, Pharm. Maryjane, has called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s primary healthcare (PHC) system, describing it as the backbone of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She highlighted the dire state of PHC centers and emphasized the need for immediate action to revamp infrastructure, recruit healthcare workers, and restore public trust.
“Primary healthcare is the foundation of any resilient health system,” Pharm. Maryjane stated. “For many Nigerians, especially in rural areas, PHC centers are the first and often only contact with the healthcare system. Strengthening them is essential if we are serious about achieving UHC.”
However, Nigeria’s PHC system is plagued by underfunding, inadequate staffing, poor referral systems, and a lack of basic infrastructure. Pharm. Maryjane lamented that many PHC centers operate without electricity, clean water, or essential medicines, forcing people to seek care from private clinics or overcrowded hospitals.
As a pharmacist, she underscored the critical role of community pharmacists in PHC. “Pharmacists do more than dispense medicines. We provide health education, screening, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. Yet, we remain underrepresented in PHC facilities,” she explained. Integrating pharmacists into PHC services, she argued, would improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Nigeria has made commitments under the UHC2030 agenda, but Pharm. Maryjane warned that progress remains slow.
“The Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) is a great initiative, but its implementation has been inconsistent. Some states are doing better than others, but we need more accountability and sustained funding to truly make UHC a reality.”
When asked about immediate steps for PHC reform, she recommended three key actions infrastructure Overhaul, Workforce Expansion and Community Engagement.
Pharm. Maryjane also supported public-private partnerships (PPPs) but stressed the need for transparency.
“PPPs can help fill gaps in service delivery if they are managed equitably. Community pharmacies are already offering services that PHC centers lack—we should leverage that potential.”
Her message to policymakers was clear: “Stop making PHC an afterthought. Invest in it, staff it, equip it, and empower it. UHC is not about fancy hospitals—it’s about access, equity, and dignity for every Nigerian, starting from the grassroots.”
With Nigeria still lagging in its UHC goals, strengthening primary healthcare remains an urgent priority. Without decisive action, millions will continue to struggle for basic medical care, jeopardizing the nation’s health and development. Policymakers must act now to ensure a healthier future for all Nigerians.
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