Lack of Patient Record Cards Hampers Healthcare Delivery in Tarauni Primary Health Centres

By Suleiman Ramat, Kano

An investigation has revealed that the shortage of patient health record cards in primary healthcare facilities across Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State is affecting efficient healthcare service delivery and raising concerns about proper medical documentation.

Tarauni, one of the eight metropolitan local government areas in Kano State, has benefited from several healthcare interventions funded by the Kano State Government, the Federal Government, and development partners over the years. However, despite these investments, some primary healthcare centres continue to face shortages of basic medical record materials needed for effective patient management.

Patients’ Information Recorded on Loose Sheets

A visit by The Bureau Journal to the Unguwa Uku Basic Primary Health Centre, one of the busiest primary healthcare facilities in Tarauni, revealed that health workers were documenting patients’ biodata and medical information on loose sheets of paper and improvised registers instead of standard patient health record cards.

The situation has raised concerns about the proper management of patients’ medical histories, continuity of care, and the overall efficiency of healthcare services at the facility.

Donor-Supported Programmes Continue Despite Challenge

Findings showed that the health centre has benefited from several donor-supported programmes, particularly in maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, and other primary healthcare services.

Despite these interventions, the persistent absence of patient record cards remains a significant operational challenge that healthcare workers say could affect the quality of medical record keeping and patient follow-up.

Experts Highlight Importance of Medical Record Cards

Medical experts say patient health record cards play a vital role in maintaining accurate medical histories, monitoring treatment progress, tracking immunisation schedules, and ensuring continuity of care.

They explained that without proper documentation, patients may lose critical medical information, while healthcare providers could face difficulties accessing previous diagnoses, prescribed medications, laboratory results, and treatment history during subsequent visits.

Residents Call for Immediate Intervention

Residents who visited the facility expressed concern over the shortage, describing patient record cards as a basic but essential component of quality primary healthcare.

They urged the Tarauni Local Government Council to provide adequate medical record materials to all primary healthcare facilities, noting that the cards are relatively inexpensive but have a significant impact on healthcare delivery.

Stakeholders Seek Government Action

Health stakeholders have also called on the Kano State Ministry of Health and the Tarauni Local Government Health Department to investigate the reported shortage and ensure that all primary healthcare centres are supplied with standard patient health record cards.

They stressed that improving access to basic medical record materials would strengthen documentation, improve patient care, and enhance the overall efficiency of primary healthcare services.

Officials Yet to Respond

As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Tarauni Local Government Council had not issued an official statement regarding the reported shortage of patient health record cards in the affected healthcare facilities.

The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.