Mental health services at the primary healthcare level remain critical in most developing countries, especially in resource-poor and crisis-stricken communities. This study explored the erstwhile mental health services, with particular reference to their availability, at the 47 primary healthcare centres in three selected states in northern Nigeria, with a view to drawing for action. Qualitative data were collected from a purposive sample of 13 participants through in-depth interviews. Additional data were also collected from observations during the visits (a checklist based on minimum standards for primary healthcare services) and clinic records at the centres. The data were analysed using content analysis and thematic clustering to indicate the status of the mental health services at the primary healthcare centres. Despite having the mental health units on the service delivery charts of the primary healthcare centres studied, none was providing any formal mental health services. There were only few but uncoordinated services in some centres essentially provided by individual primary healthcare service providers and a non-governmental organization found in one of the 47 primary healthcare centres in one of the three states investigated. In conclusion, mental health services at all primary healthcare centres in all the Local Government Areas in all the states visited are at best scarce, poorly and haphazardly rendered in a few places or completely absent in most centres. There is an urgent need to stimulate the primary healthcare system and other levels of government and their partners, to initiate or activate policies in favour of community-based mental health services to make these important services available at the community (primary healthcare) level for the promotion of mental health and treatment of mental illnesses.
Keywords: Community health care; Mental health services; Northern Nigeria; Primary health care.