Patients at the Akwakuma Health Centre, Owerri North council area of Imo have expressed their frustrations over the dearth of clean, stable water supply and toilets in the facility.
Some of the patients who spoke with C-Advocate complained about the lack of basic hygiene necessities, stating that it was frustrating activities at the health center.
C- Advocate reports that the Akwakuma health center has remained operational but without provision for stable water supply and toilets for both patients and staff.
One of the patients, Mrs Irene Ugonna, described the lack of water and toilets as “ a troubling crisis threatening the health of patients and safety of the entire community.
“ There is no clean, running water in the health center and no toilets for staff and patients. Sanitation should be critical and fundamental in a healthcare facility “, she said.
Another respondent, a young lactating mother, Mrs Ugochi Onuwa, decried the difficulties associated with bringing children for routine immunization in the health center.
Onuwa said that mothers who come to get their babies immunized, often have to contend with an environment messed up with human excreta as there are no good toilets and water supply.
“ This is unhealthy “, she said.
A staff member of the healthcare who spoke on the condition of anonymity narrated how she had to return home to ease herself when she had a stomach upset and was pressed.
She harped on the need for adequate, stable water supplies and functioning toilets to meet demands.
C- Advocate reports that water and toilet facilities are fundamentally essential for the maintenance of hygiene and good health.
This will help ensure that patients do not go home with infections other than those for which they were admitted.
C- Advocate therefore calls on government and good spirited individuals to give attention to the health center so that basic provisions such as water supply and toilets can be accessed.
