Agency Family planning acceptors in Edo have decried a shortage of commodities in most Primary Health Care facilities in the state, saying that it had made it difficult for them to access essential family planning services. In separate interviews in some of the facilities visited in Egor and Oredo Local Government Areas, some of the acceptors told the News Agency of Nigeria that they, sometimes, pay before getting the service. “I have been coming to the PHC for the past three months, but they always tell me that they don’t have the commodities.
“It’s frustrating because I need the services to plan my family,” said Mrs Felicia Okoro, a family planning acceptor from Benin City. Similarly, another, Mrs Grace Osaige, said she had to opt for another method since the preferred commodity was not available. “I was turned back from Edaiken PHC last week because they didn’t have the commodities.
We have to opt for another method to save the situation,” she said. Osagie called on the state government to look into the issue as family planning services were meant to be free. Meanwhile, the Edo Government said it approved more than N27 million for the procurement of family planning commodities for 2024.
Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, made the claim during an interview with NAN. He explained that family planning activities in the state had been ongoing and had seen significant success, with support from partners like The Challe.
