No Doctors, No Beds: Kebbi Health Facility Neglected Amid Worsening Rural Crisis

The Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Gudale Ward, Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State, has fallen into severe disrepair, leaving the local population of over 300 residents without access to essential healthcare services.

According to a recent report by the socio-accountability organisation Monitng, the once-promising facility has become a symbol of abandonment. The PHC, originally established to provide basic medical services to the community, now lies in ruin completely unfit for human use.

“This facility, meant to serve as a safe space for healthcare delivery, is now abandoned and neglected. It can no longer be called a healthcare centre,” the report stated.

Currently, the PHC operates with no doctor, nurse, or midwife on staff. A single Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) is left to handle all medical cases without proper equipment, medication, or support.

Photographs of the facility reveal a disturbing reality: broken roofing, cracked walls, and infestations of bats have rendered the structure unsafe. The centre also lacks basic necessities such as electricity, running water, and hospital beds.

“The images speak volumes no power, no water, no equipment. Pregnant women and sick children are forced to rely on an overwhelmed CHEW working in dangerous conditions,” the report added.

Despite Kebbi State being a beneficiary of international donor support from agencies like UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Global Fund, PHC Gudale remains neglected.

“This is happening in a state that has received substantial donor support for healthcare infrastructure. Without political will and local government commitment, international investments will continue to fail communities,” Monitng warned.

The organisation issued a call to action, urging the Kebbi State Government to immediately renovate the health facility, deploy trained medical personnel, and supply essential drugs, beds, power, and clean water.

“Health is a right, not a privilege. No community should be left behind in our healthcare system,” the statement emphasized. “Gudale is not an isolated case. Many rural health centres across Nigeria face similar levels of neglect. This must stop.”

Budget records reveal a troubling trend. In 2024, Kebbi State allocated ₦2.9 billion to its Primary Healthcare Development Agency but reportedly spent only ₦955 million. In 2025, ₦4.8 billion was budgeted, yet just ₦194 million was disbursed between January and March.

Healthcare advocates are now demanding greater transparency, accountability, and urgency in tackling the rural health crisis, warning that continued neglect could lead to unnecessary loss of life and worsening health outcomes across the state.