Public Relations and Access to Health Care Facilities

The study investigated public relations and access to health care facilities at the Makurdi Epidemiological Unit. The systems contingency theory formed the theoretical framework. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were adopted and the study surveyed 400 respondents in five strategic areas within Makurdi metropolis. Findings reveal that the public do not have adequate access to healthcare facilities at the Makurdi Epidemiological Unit. This however, is as a result of lack of functional public relations department at the unit. The study further reveals that corruption, lack of finance, non-professionals, poor sanitary condition and lack of working equipment are the major factors hindering the role of public relations in facilitating access to healthcare facilities at the unit. The study concludes that the inadequate use of public relations at the Makurdi Epidemiological Unit has led to lack of access to healthcare facilities at the unit. The study amongst others recommends that there is need for Epidemiology Unit Makurdi to constitute a professional public relations department especially engaging it as a management function at the unit.