In Gana-Gagi, the crumbling healthcare system has left residents with no choice but to fend for themselves, resorting to unregulated treatments and herbal remedies that pose serious health risks, and tragically, lives are being lost due to the lack of access to proper medical care. In the rural community of Gana-Gagi, located in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, the Basic Health Clinic, once a symbol of hope, has been reduced to a mere memory. The dilapidated building that once housed the clinic stands as a testament to neglect and abandonment. Trees have grown through the ruins, a stark contrast to the bustling healthcare facility it once was. The clinic’s services have been relocated to the community leader’s residence, a makeshift solution that is woefully inadequate. 
The community leader’s yard, now serving as the de facto health clinic, is overwhelmed. Community members contribute what little they can to purchase basic medicines, which are then administered in the yard. The scene is chaotic, with patients queuing under the scorching sun or in the rain, waiting for treatment. The lack of proper facilities and equipment makes it impossible to provide even the most basic healthcare services. 
This clinic is the only healthcare facility available to the entire community, putting every resident in serious danger. The absence of a functional health clinic has dire consequences, particularly for the most vulnerable members of society – children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Simple illnesses become life-threatening due to the lack of timely and proper medical care. 
The story of the Abubakar family is a heart-wrenching example of the devastating consequences of inadequate healthcare in Gana-Gagi. Mrs. Abubakar’s two young children, Amira and Ali, fell ill with malaria, a preventable and treatable disease. Despite their parents’ best efforts, the children did not receive the medical attention they needed in time. Amira, just 7 years old, passed away first, followed shortly by Ali, who was only 4. The family is still grappling with the loss, and the pain is palpable. 
“We did everything we could, but it wasn’t enough,” Mrs. Abubakar said, tears streaming down her face. “If we had a proper health clinic, our children might still be alive today.” The Abubakar family’s tragedy is a stark reminder of the human cost of inadequate healthcare. Their story is not unique, and many families in Gana-Gagi have suffered similar losses.
Another community member, Hajiya Sadiya, shared her own experience. “When I fell ill, I had no choice but to resort to traditional herbal concoctions. The preparations are not measured, and the environment is not conducive. I’m not sure if it’s helping or harming me, but what else can I do?” she asked, shaking her head. The use of unregulated traditional remedies is a growing concern in the community, where the lack of access to proper healthcare forces people to seek alternative, often unproven, treatments. 
The community members are aware of the dire situation, and many have expressed their frustration and despair. “We are forced to rely on our own resources to buy medicines, but it’s not enough,” says one community member. “We need a proper health clinic with trained staff and adequate facilities. Our lives depend on it.”
The situation at the Basic Health Clinic, Gana-Gagi, is a cry for help. The community needs urgent attention and support to address the healthcare crisis. A functional health clinic with proper facilities and staff is essential to ensure the well-being of the community. The Kwara State government and other stakeholders must take immediate action to restore the clinic to its former glory or provide a new, well-equipped facility. 
As we all know, Investing in quality healthcare is investing in human life; it’s a commitment to the well-being and prosperity of individuals, families, and society as a whole.
The people of Gana-Gagi deserve access to quality healthcare, and it’s time for their voices to be heard. Their struggle is not just about healthcare; it’s about their right to life, dignity, and a healthy future. The Basic Health Clinic, Gana-Gagi, is a stark reminder of the healthcare challenges faced by rural communities in Kwara State, and it’s time for change.
This story was produced for the Frontline Investigative Program and supported by the Africa Data Hub and Orodata Science.