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Benue State Commissioner for Health and Health Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, has given contractors a marching order to speed up the renovation of six Primary Health Care centres across the state. These centres, which are being rebuilt and renovated, were due to be completed six weeks ago — the deadline has now been missed.

The projects are aimed at revitalising primary healthcare facilities and improving access to quality maternal and child healthcare services, particularly for women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under the age of five. The funding for these projects came from the Global Fund, channelled through UNICEF.

Inspecting the projects on Tuesday, Dr. Ogwuche expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and directed contractors to accelerate their work to meet specified standards. According to a statement released by the Information Officer of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Grace Akure, Dr. Ogwuche pointed out defects in some of the ongoing works and directed that roofing and the positioning of certain units be adjusted to conform with approved designs before completion.

The six health facilities covered were PHC Ameladu in Gboko LGA, PHC Aliade in Gwer East LGA, PHC Ayilamo in Logo LGA, PHC Asa in Otukpo LGA, PHC Orokam in Ogbadibo LGA and PHC Igede in Oju LGA. Officials accompanying the inspection disclosed that while PHC Asa in Otukpo was being rebuilt into a completely new facility, the remaining five centres were undergoing renovation and expansion to accommodate more patients and enhance service delivery.

At PHC Ameladu in Gboko, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Samuel Mbatsoron, directed engineers to replace the roofing sheets and fix the ceiling in line with approved specifications. The contractors have since apologized for failing to complete the projects within the agreed timeframe, but assured the inspection team that all outstanding works would be completed and handed over to the Benue State Government on or before July 30, 2026.

In a statement, Dr. Ogwuche said:

‘I am not satisfied with the pace of work. Contractors must speed up the projects and ensure that every aspect of the construction meets the required specifications and quality standards.’

Benue State has been working to improve its healthcare system, investing significant funds in the renovation of primary healthcare facilities across the state. The project is aimed at increasing access to quality healthcare services for residents of Benue State, particularly in the rural areas. Dr. Paul Ogwuche has been a vocal advocate for improving the state's healthcare system, having served in various capacities within the sector.

Dr. Paul Ogwuche was appointed as the commissioner for Health and Human Services in 2024 and has since been working to improve the state's healthcare system. Prior to his appointment as commissioner, Dr. Ogwuche worked as a consultant for various healthcare organisations, using his expertise to improve healthcare delivery in the state.