Investigation Uncovers Massive Absenteeism, Corruption Crippling Ondo Primary Healthcare Service Delivery
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| Photo Collage: Ondo State PHCDB logo, Ondo State HMB logo and the once abandoned EU built Abusoro Primary Health Centre in Ondo State. |
A recent, alarming investigation into the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) has exposed a crisis of massive absenteeism and widespread corruption, severely undermining essential healthcare delivery, especially in vulnerable rural communities. Two-Thirds of Staff Absent, System Rife with Exploitation.
The investigation revealed that a staggering 65% of primary healthcare workers are failing to report to duty, effectively paralyzing the sector. The findings highlight a shocking systemic exploitation:
Ghost Workers & Substitutes: Many permanent staff members are reportedly engaged in other businesses or jobs, hiring unqualified or poorly motivated substitutes to perform their official duties. The permanent employees collect the majority of their salaries while paying the substitutes a mere fraction. The investigation suggests this split is often around 70% for the permanent staff and only 30% for the substitute, exploiting both the system and the vulnerable workers they hire. "Permanent staff exploit the system, collecting majority of salaries while substitutes do the work," the report stated, pointing to a severe ethical breach and failure of oversight.
The corruption extends beyond absenteeism and salary exploitation, directly affecting crucial public health initiatives. The report found that coordinators and focal persons within the PHC system are allegedly manipulating intervention programs:
They employ adhoc staff—often the very substitutes mentioned above—and systematically siphon funds earmarked for vital healthcare programs.
This cycle of corruption and exploitation means that the staff who are working are often not properly compensated or qualified, leading to a profound lack of motivation. These acts have significantly mitigated the success of intervention programs, as the workforce is not incentivized or equipped to put in their best effort.
Severe Consequences: Compromised Health and Waste of Resources
The immediate fallout is a dramatic compromise of healthcare services, especially in rural areas dependent on PHCs. The state's investment in public health is being wasted:
Undermined Healthcare Delivery: The high rate of absenteeism and corruption directly compromises the quality, availability, and reliability of medical services.
Waste of Resources: Intervention programs—meant to address pressing health issues—are being undermined by fraud, resulting in a colossal waste of state and potentially federal or donor resources.
Call for Immediate Action: Snap Checks and Staff Audit
In light of these findings, the report issues an urgent Call to Action, urging state authorities to move immediately to restore accountability and transparency.
The recommendations include:
Snap Checks: Conduct unannounced visits to rural hospitals and clinics to catch absentee staff red-handed.
Urgent Staff Audit: Immediately verify the physical presence and professional qualifications of every staff member on the payroll.
Ask that the data of all the hired personnel be secretly collated and substituted for the permanent staff since they are the ones available at the health centers.
Sanctions: Impose severe penalties for all individuals found guilty of absenteeism, exploitation, and corruption
The report concludes with a powerful plea to the authorities to take immediate action to address these issues, ensuring accountability and transparency in healthcare management to prevent the collapse of primary healthcare in Ondo State.
Ajomoke Olayomi
Investigative Journalist / Public Affairs Analyst