Project Abstract

Abstract
Primary health care centers play a crucial role in providing accessible and cost-effective healthcare services to communities. The design of these centers significantly influences their effectiveness in delivering quality care to patients. This research project focuses on the design of an effective primary health care center that addresses the unique needs of the community it serves. The design process involves a multidisciplinary approach that considers various factors such as the local population demographics, prevalent health issues, cultural preferences, and available resources. By incorporating these factors into the design, the primary health care center can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the community, thereby enhancing its impact on health outcomes. Key elements of the design include the layout of the facility, which should be organized to promote efficient patient flow and ensure privacy and comfort for patients. The inclusion of flexible spaces that can accommodate different services and activities is also essential to maximize the utility of the center. Additionally, the integration of technology, such as electronic health records systems and telemedicine capabilities, can improve the delivery of care and facilitate communication among healthcare providers. Furthermore, the design should prioritize sustainability and resilience to ensure the long-term viability of the primary health care center. This includes considerations for energy efficiency, waste management, and disaster preparedness to mitigate environmental impact and maintain continuity of care during emergencies. Community engagement is a critical component of the design process, as it ensures that the primary health care center reflects the needs and preferences of the population it serves. By involving community members in the planning and decision-making stages, the center can build trust and foster collaboration, leading to better health outcomes and increased utilization of services. In conclusion, the design of an effective primary health care center requires a comprehensive and community-centered approach that takes into account local needs, resources, and preferences. By incorporating elements such as efficient layout, technological integration, sustainability, and community engagement, the primary health care center can fulfill its role as a cornerstone of accessible and quality healthcare for the community.

Project Overview

Primary Health Care (PHC) is driven by a political philosophy that emphasizes a radical change in both the design and content of conventional health care services. It also advocates an approach to health care principles that allow people to receive health care that enables them to lead socially and economically productive lives (Dennil et al. 1999: 2). The Alma-Ata declaration of September 1978 defined the concept of PHC as essential care based on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable health care methods and technology, made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community through their full participation and at a cost that the community and country can afford to maintain at every stage of their development in the spirit of self-reliance and self-determination. It forms an integral part both of the country’s health system, of which it is the central function and main focus, and of the overall social and economic development of the community. It is the first level of contact for individuals, the family and the community within the national health system, bringing health care as close as possible to where people live and work, and constitutes health care services (WHO 1998: 15). In addition, Alma-Ata declaration states that any Primary Health Care program should include at least the following components, namely, education about prevailing health problems and methods of preventing and controlling them; the promotion of food supply and proper nutrition; an adequate supply of safe water and basic sanitation; maternal and child health care, including family planning and care of high risk groups; immunization against the major infectious diseases; prevention and control of locally endemic diseases; appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries and the provision of essential drugs, including vaccines.

Primary Health Care Centre is the cornerstone of rural health services- a first port of call to a qualified doctor of the public sector in rural areas for the sick and those who directly report or referred from Sub-Centres for curative, preventive and promotive health care (India, 2002). Primary Health Care Centre is a basic health unit to provide as close to the people as possible, an integrated curative and preventive health care to the rural population with emphasis on preventive and promotive aspects of health care.

We are in a period of major change, with more being provided at primary level rather than in hospitals.

1.2.0 Client Background History

The Client/User

As part of the “change” campaign of the current administration in the State of Osun, the Obokun Local Government of the state under the leadership of the Local Government Chairman, has proposed an efficient Primary Health Care Centre for the benefit of the people in Obokun Local Government Area, as the current Centres in the area are inadequate in terms of quality of the services they render/offer.

Brief History of Obokun Local Government Area

Obokun is a Local Government Area in Osun State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are in the town of Ibokun at 7047’00”N 4043’00’E / 7.783330N 4.716670E. Other towns in Obokun Local Government Area include Imesi-Ile, Otan-Ile, Esa-Oke, Ilase, Iponda, Ikinyinwa, Idominasi and Ora.

Project Location

The Primary Health Care Centre is being proposed to be located in Iponda town in Obokun local government area, Osun state, Nigeria, Africa. Its geographical coordinates are 7o 44’ 0” North, 4o 43’ 0” East. Obokun local government covers a total land area of 527km2 (203sq mi), and a total population (according to 2006 census) of 116,511.