By SUNTV Global Channel | January 27, 2026
More than 2,000 residents of Burtura community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State are facing serious health risks following the collapse of the community’s only primary healthcare centre, which has fallen into a state of neglect and disrepair.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Burtura, meant to serve the community and nearby settlements, is currently dilapidated, poorly equipped and largely abandoned, leaving residents without access to basic medical services.
A recent assessment by Tracka, a civic monitoring organisation, revealed that the health facility lacks essential infrastructure required for effective service delivery. According to the report, the centre has no electricity, no functional medical equipment, no hospital beds and is without the basic amenities needed to provide lifesaving care.
“This is PHC Burtura in Bokkos LGA, Plateau State. It serves over 2,000 residents, yet the facility is in a shameful and dilapidated condition, completely unfit to provide basic healthcare,” Tracka stated.
During a field visit, observers noted that the centre was barely operational, with limited space and a complete absence of essential medical supplies. The report added that the facility becomes overwhelmed when more than two patients seek care at the same time.
As a result, residents are frequently referred to distant health facilities, often at great personal cost. Those unable to afford transportation or treatment are reportedly forced to resort to self-medication or traditional remedies, a situation community members say has led to avoidable deaths.
Reacting to the findings, civic technology organisation MonITNG expressed deep concern over the continued neglect of the facility despite substantial public funding for healthcare at both state and federal levels.
“This reality persists despite the Plateau State government budgeting billions of naira annually for the health sector,” MonITNG said. “The federal government has also allocated billions for the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres nationwide, yet PHC Burtura remains abandoned and forgotten.”
The organisation stressed that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right and urged authorities to act without delay.
“We call on the Plateau State government, the Commissioner for Health, and the Federal Ministry of Health to urgently rehabilitate, equip and properly staff this facility. Lives are at stake, and continued neglect is unacceptable,” MonITNG added.
Residents are now appealing for immediate government intervention to restore the health centre and prevent further loss of lives in the community.
