Monitoring Group Decries Poor State of Health Institutions in Kebbi

Monitoring Group Decries Poor State of Health Institutions in KebbiThe deplorable state of the Primary Health Clinic in Rafin Kirya, Shanga Local Government Area, Kebbi State, has brought to the forefront the dire healthcare situation in rural Nigeria.

A recent inspection by MonITNG, a civic watchdog group, in April 2025, revealed a clinic in a state of utter neglect, with patients forced to lie on bare floors due to a lack of beds or mattresses.

The absence of basic amenities such as electricity, running water, and medications has rendered the clinic virtually non-functional, while damaged ceilings expose wards to the elements, leaving patients vulnerable to the risks of rainwater and other environmental hazards.

This shocking state of affairs is all the more egregious given that Kebbi State allocated a substantial N10 billion to healthcare in 2023, with promises of rural infrastructure improvements in the 2024 and 2025 budgets. Furthermore, the state has also received funding from the World Bank, ostensibly to support healthcare development.

The disparity between the allocated funds and the reality on the ground raises serious questions about budget mismanagement, lack of accountability, and the efficacy of governance in the state.

The situation in Kebbi State is a microcosm of the broader issues plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in rural areas.

The rural-urban divide in healthcare access and quality is a longstanding challenge, with rural communities often bearing the brunt of neglect and underinvestment.

The case of Rafin Kirya clinic is a stark reminder that, despite lofty promises and budget allocations, the most vulnerable populations continue to suffer from unmet basic needs, eroding trust in governance and exacerbating health disparities.

This issue is also inextricably linked to the themes of regional disparities and governance accountability that have been highlighted in previous queries. The Nigerian Army’s concern about low enlistment from the South East region, for instance, reflects a deeper issue of regional disparities and mistrust in federal institutions.