By Divine Sam

Questions have been raised over the availability and cost of medical services at Elebu Health Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, following an encounter between a nurse and some women who brought their children to the facility for treatment.

The controversy reportedly began when the women expressed concern over the amount of money demanded by a nurse before she could administer an injection to their children.

In response to their complaints, the nurse, whose identity could not be established as she declined to disclose her name to this publication, allegedly admitted that the facility does not receive drug supplies from the government to cater to patients.

The nurse reportedly made the disclosure while explaining the circumstances surrounding the payment demanded from the women, leaving them questioning why they should bear such costs at a government-owned health facility.

The women expressed concern that a community health centre, which is expected to serve as the first point of contact for residents seeking medical attention, should be accessible and affordable, particularly for families who depend on public healthcare services.

They wondered why patients and parents bringing their children for basic medical attention should be subjected to expenses they consider excessive, especially when the facility operates as a government health institution.

Efforts by this publication to speak with the matron or other members of the facility’s management for clarification were unsuccessful. The nurse reportedly maintained that no member of the management was present at the time of the visit.

The incident has raised questions about the availability of essential medicines, the cost of basic healthcare services and the level of government support provided to community health facilities.

Residents and patients deserve access to affordable and reliable healthcare, and the situation at Elebu Health Centre calls for clarification from the relevant health authorities.