The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NAPHDA), Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, paid an unscheduled visit to several Primary Health Centres (PHCs) within Lafia town today to investigate public complaints regarding arbitrary fee increases and state of the facilities as well as their challenges.

During the visit, Dr. Saleh inspected PHC Tudun Gwandara and PHC Kofar Malam Sabo Baba, where he verified reports of unauthorized hikes in service charges. The visit follows mounting concerns from residents over rising healthcare costs at local facilities.

In addition to addressing the fee-related concerns, Dr. Saleh also took the opportunity to supervise ongoing renovation and improvement work at the two PHCs. He expressed the agency’s commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare services for all citizens, while also maintaining quality standards in public health infrastructure.

“The welfare of the people remains our top priority. We are taking immediate steps to ensure that all health centres operate within the guidelines and fee structures established by the government,” Dr. Saleh stated during the inspection.

Local residents welcomed the visit, hoping it would bring lasting reforms and improved service delivery in Lafia’s healthcare sector.

Meanwhile the Executive Secretary of NAPHDA Dr Usman Iskilu Saleh also Inspected Free Medical Outreach Launched Across Six LGAs in Nasarawa State by Senate President

In a bid to improve healthcare access and promote community well-being, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with the National Assembly, has commenced a free medical outreach across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nasarawa State.

The initiative, spearheaded under the leadership of the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Godswill O. Akpabio, CON, GOON, kicked off on Wednesday, June 11, and continues through Thursday, June 12, 2025. The outreach is being conducted in the General Hospitals of Akwanga, Karu, Keffi, Kokona, Nasarawa, and Lafia LGAs.

This healthcare intervention is monitored by the Department of Humanitarian, Human Capital and Digital Economy in the Office of the Senate President and is being implemented by Consolidated Trade Worldwide Ltd.

Residents in these areas are receiving free consultations, treatments, and medications, with an emphasis on maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and basic surgical procedures.

Local officials and health workers have praised the program, citing its potential to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities and provide relief to patients facing financial barriers.

This effort is part of the Senate’s broader commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and delivering tangible benefits to citizens through legislative-backed humanitarian initiatives.
The Executive Secretary of NAPHDA Dr Usman Iskilu Saleh at the end of the visit expressed satisfaction with the performance of the officers in charge of operations of the outreach and commended the National Assembly and the Senate President for the initiatives.