Status equipment in primary health centres of Tafa Lga, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background/Aims: Equipment are veritable tools for proper diagnosis and effective management of clients. Every health care facility must possess a minimum acceptable level of equipment if quality of care is to be assessed and assured.

Methodology: This study was conducted in Tafa LGA of Niger state in the North Central Nigeria with a view to assessing the status of equipment in the primary health centres, using minimum equipment standard developed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and to determine the perception of clients on the level of equipment in the centres. Checklist and Focus Group Discussions guide were used in this regard.

Results: Results show that out the 26 minimum equipment requirements, none of the three primary health centres scored a minimum requirement.

Conclusion: Equipment supply and maintenance in the primary health centres must be central in realising the objectives of the health sector reform programme of this administration.

Keywords: assessment, equipment, status, primary health centres

Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 8(4) 2005: 83-87