Public health experts have raised concerns over worsening drug shortages at primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across Nigeria, warning that the situation is undermining access to essential medical services.

This follows recent data showing that only 36.2 per cent of essential medicines are available at PHCs nationwide, leaving many facilities unable to meet basic healthcare needs.

According to findings from the National Health Facility Survey by the National Bureau of Statistics, there is a significant gap in drug availability between primary and secondary healthcare facilities. While PHCs recorded 36.2 per cent availability, secondary facilities stood at 60.6 per cent.

The report also highlighted regional disparities, with the South-West recording the highest availability at 42.3 per cent, while the North-West had the lowest at 31.0 per cent.

Availability of basic medical equipment also remains low, standing at 36.9 per cent nationwide. PHCs account for 34.8 per cent, compared to 76.8 per cent in secondary facilities, further exposing inequalities in healthcare access.

Medical professionals say the shortage is largely driven by weak and inefficient drug distribution systems, which disproportionately affect rural communities that depend heavily on primary healthcare centres as their first point of care.

They warned that the lack of essential medicines is forcing patients to seek alternative treatments, remain untreated, or travel long distances at higher costs, increasing the risk of complications and deaths.

Experts noted that common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhoea, and infections are becoming harder to manage at the primary care level due to drug shortages. In emergency cases, including severe infections and childbirth-related complications, delays in treatment could have fatal consequences.

Key factors identified include poor supply chains, inadequate distribution to rural areas, the failure of initiatives like the Drug Revolving Fund, and the concentration of medicines in urban centres.

The shortage is also affecting healthcare workers, many of whom are unable to treat patients effectively, leading to reduced morale and, in some cases, migration to urban areas, further widening the healthcare gap.

Health experts have called for urgent reforms, including improved supply systems, revitalisation of drug funding mechanisms, and increased government investment in local drug production to ensure consistent access to essential medicines.

The World Health Organisation defines essential medicines as those that meet the priority health needs of the population and should be available at all times in functional health systems, in the right dosage and at affordable prices.

Despite existing frameworks such as the Basic Health Care Provision Fund—through which a portion of resources is allocated for essential drugs, vaccines, and consumables—shortages persist at the facility level.

Professor Tanimola Akande of the University of Ilorin described the situation as a reflection of deep flaws in the country’s drug distribution system, warning that delays in accessing medicines can lead to severe complications.

He explained that PHCs are expected to stock basic life-saving drugs such as antimalarials, antibiotics, and medications for chronic conditions, but many facilities fall short of this requirement.

Professor Best Ordinioha of the University of Port Harcourt also warned that the impact of drug shortages is most severe during emergencies, where immediate treatment is critical.

He stressed that the inability to access essential medicines at primary care centres could lead to preventable deaths, especially in cases of common but treatable illnesses.

Both experts called for stronger government intervention, better funding, and effective implementation of existing programmes to ensure that essential medicines are readily available, particularly in rural and underserved communities.