APC National Vice Chairman, South East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has commended the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for deploying its PHC Functionality Dashboard, describing the digital platform as a major step toward improving citizens’ access to information, accountability and quality primary healthcare services across Nigeria.
Dr. Arodiogbu said the dashboard gives Nigerians a practical way to identify and understand the status of Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities within their communities, while also providing policymakers, health managers and development partners with valuable information for planning and monitoring.
The NPHCDA officially provides an interactive PHC dashboard through its website, enabling citizens to locate nearby primary healthcare centres. The Agency has also stated that its live PHC Functionality Dashboard was developed to enhance visibility, accountability and transparency by enabling citizens to assess their PHC facilities.
According to Arodiogbu, access to reliable information about healthcare facilities is particularly important in rural and underserved communities, where primary healthcare centres often serve as the first point of contact between citizens and the formal health system.
“For too long, many families have had difficulty knowing where the nearest functional Primary Health Care facility is and what services are available there. The NPHCDA Functionality Dashboard provides a practical solution by bringing this information closer to the people,” he said.
He noted that the platform strengthens the principle of informed healthcare decision-making by helping citizens identify facilities within their areas and understand the services available to them.
Arodiogbu said the initiative also has wider implications for accountability in the health sector, as improved visibility of PHC facilities can help government and other stakeholders identify gaps, prioritise interventions and monitor progress in strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
He stressed that a strong primary healthcare system remains fundamental to achieving better health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health, immunisation, disease prevention, routine treatment and other essential services.
The APC South East leader urged Nigerians, particularly residents of the South East, to make active use of the digital resource and familiarise themselves with primary healthcare facilities serving their wards and Local Government Areas.
“I encourage Nigerians to take advantage of this important innovation. Know your PHC, know where to go, understand the services available and participate in ensuring that our primary healthcare facilities deliver the standard of service our people deserve,” Arodiogbu stated.
He further encouraged community leaders, town unions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to promote awareness of the dashboard so that more Nigerians can benefit from the information it provides.
The NPHCDA says its mandate includes the continuous development of primary healthcare services in Nigeria and providing technical and programmatic support to states, LGAs and other stakeholders in the planning, implementation, supervision and monitoring of PHC services.
Arodiogbu commended the leadership of the NPHCDA, under Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Muyi Aina, for embracing technology and data-driven approaches in strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
He described the PHC Functionality Dashboard as an important bridge between healthcare infrastructure and public awareness, stressing that citizens can only make effective use of available services when they know where those services are located and what they provide.
“Quality healthcare begins with accessibility, information and accountability. The more Nigerians know about the facilities available in their communities, the better positioned they are to seek appropriate care and demand improved service delivery,” he added.
Arodiogbu therefore called on Nigerians to explore the NPHCDA’s official digital resources through https://nphcda.gov.ng and make primary healthcare information an important part of their community health awareness.