The ePHC solution has been successfully implemented in the Oyo state of Nigeria. The program was designed specifically to meet the needs of the state indigenes. In this case, a hub was built in the capital city, with 15 clinics deployed and fully operational in 12 Local Government Areas (LGA). Since commissioning, the clinic has attended to over 1,500,000 cases and currently treats an estimated 4000 people per week across the State. Commonly treated cases and functions have included: Fevers, Asthma, Antenatal care, Childhood Immunization against tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, whooping cough, and measles.
Screening: All female patients who come into the ePHC clinics and are between the ages of 40 to 70 years of age are offered a mammogram and cervical screening. Any abnormalities are then sent for a referral to a hospital for further investigation and treatment if required.
The advantage of the ePHC Screening scheme is the reduction in the number of deaths from cancer among women and through early detection and treatment before spread occurs.
Major Impact to Date
Reduction in contagious and preventable diseases: During visits to the clinic, patients are informed about the need and method to prevent diseases (health education). All children under the age of 10 are routinely dewormed.
Because of the above actions, our recent study of data has shown a significant drop in the frequency of communicable diseases in areas where we have ePHC clinics compared to other areas.
Healthcare capacity development: Another key impact has been the creation of job opportunities for local indigenes.
The initial recruitment process and induction has identified the level of training needs required to bring each staff group up to basic standards agreed by the Programme Executives.
Training has been organized and delivered regularly. To date, 20 Doctors and 250 Nurses have benefited from the training facility at the Hub increasing their knowledge and improving the welfare of the community.
More information is available at http://www.abcprogramme.org.