Family planning (FP) acceptors in Edo State have expressed frustration over the shortage of commodities in most Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in the state.
The situation, they said, 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 said that they, sometimes, paid 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, 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,” said Osaige.
She called on the state government to look into the issue as family planning services were supposed to be free.
However, the Edo Government said it approved more than N27 million for the procurement of FP commodities for 2024.
Dr Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the Edo State Ministry of Health, claimed an interview.
Ojeifo explained that FP activities in the state had been ongoing and had seen significant success, with support from partners like The Challenge Initiative (TCI) and Marie Stopes.
He acknowledged that the increase in awareness and uptake of family planning services had led to a shortage of commodities, but assured that the state was working to address the issue.
“The state has not rested on its oars. We always make available the commodities, and our partners also support us in one way or another.
“The national government also supports us with trickles of supplies from time to time.
“We did a memo for approval for the procurement of family planning commodities, and it has been approved by His Excellency.
We are sure that before the end of this month or next, funds will be released to procure those commodities,” said Ojeifo.
The director expressed optimism that the procurement of family planning commodities would address the current shortage and ensure that services continue uninterrupted.
He commended Gov. Godwin Obaseki, for prioritising health in his administration and approving funds for family planning commodities.
NAN
