New pilot project improves rural health posts in Kwara, Nigeria

By improving four existing rural health posts, the project aims to address current overcrowding of healthcare facilities, long waiting times, high travel costs and missed incomes. Within one month after kick-off, the posts had registered over 1,000 visits.

The rural health posts will serve as the first port of call, reducing overcrowding at the main facilities while improving access to quality health care for the rural communities at the same time. The posts will offer basic primary- and pre-referral emergency health care, with an extra emphasis on ante- and postnatal care services. They will be staffed by St. Brendan’s hospital and will work within the framework of the existing Hygeia Community Health Care health insurance scheme.

All posts have received upgrades in the form of improved infrastructure, procurement of a vehicle, equipment and consumables and training of personnel. Having been integrated in the SafeCare program, the quality of care can be closely monitored and evaluated. Throughout this pilot phase, adjustments can be carried out to maximize patient satisfaction.

The ECBC pilot project is a joint effort between Hygeia Community Health Care (HCHC) and PharmAccess, in partnership with St Brendan’s hospital. Ultimately, the project aims to strengthen and develop healthcare services, improve access to quality health care for rural communities and facilitate universal coverage of the health insurance scheme. The pilot is scheduled to last 12 months.