The Community Perception of the Role of Access Basic Medical Care Clinic NGO in Community Basic Health Care

The immense role that community health must play in a country’s national development drive cannot be overemphasized regardless of the inequalities in its provision. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) help to bridge the gap in certain parts of Nigeria. This study explored the community perception of the role of the NGO Access to Basic Medical Care Clinic (ABCC) in basic healthcare provision, with a view to identifying the community perception of the impact, prospects, and challenges of ABCC. Using the convergent mixed methods approach, a self-constructed questionnaire and focus groupsion were used to collect data from 300 conveniently and purposively selected study participants. Descriptive and thematic analyses were done and then triangulated to meet research objectives. The study shows that there is a significant increase in health insurance coverage for all, especially the vulnerable and the uninsured; significant health care provision is in place for hypertensive and diabetic patients; there is a significant reduction in under-five and maternal mortality rates; and hundreds of Nigerians from sudden and untimely death, thereby increasing their life expectancy. Abuse of free services by minorities and the inability of the patients to go for further treatment when being referred or to buy recommended drugs due to lack of financial capacity are major challenges in ABCC. ABCC would serve as a source of motivation for emerging free service clinics, improved standards of health in different localities, a boost in standards of living, and motivation for other entrepreneurs to invest in free service clinics. Inclusion of mental health treatment, adequate provision of funds through partnership with the state government and corporate network with private investors, and collaboration with established hospital and health organizations are recommended for ABCC improvement and sustainability.