Katsina State Government has recorded notable achievements in the healthcare sector, Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal revealed at a press briefing. The briefing, which focused on the health sector, highlighted the government’s efforts to provide quality healthcare services to its citizens.
The state government has recruited 254 additional health personnel, including medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to strengthen secondary health facilities. Arrangements are underway for the third batch of recruitment. Furthermore, 41 students have been awarded full scholarships to study medicine in Egypt, courtesy of the state government.
To address the shortage of medical specialists, the government has commenced residency training programs in obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and family medicine at Turai Umar Musa Yar’adua Hospital and General Hospital, Katsina. The state government has also approved payment for accreditation and license fees for medical graduates.
In terms of infrastructure development, the government has upgraded 146 primary healthcare facilities across the state, with a minimum of four centers in each of the 34 local government areas. The state government has also renovated and upgraded comprehensive health centers in Rimi, Faskari, Dandume, and Zango to general hospital status.
The government has also established a dialysis center at General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, Katsina, and awarded a contract for the construction of a modern imaging and diagnostic center. To address the issue of substandard drugs, the state government has strengthened the Drugs and Medical Supply Agency.
The state government has sustained its free Medicare policy, expending N397 million on free delivery, antenatal, dialysis, and cesarean services. An e-health solution has been deployed to seven health facilities, enhancing efficiency in healthcare delivery.
To improve nutritional capacity, the state government has paid N504 million as a matching fund for nutrition commodities. Awareness and prevention campaigns have been undertaken to combat diseases such as HPV, cervical cancer, sickle cell anemia, and seasonal malaria.
The State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency has successfully enrolled 399,913 beneficiaries, including 272,910 formal sector enrollees and 127,003 informal sector enrollees. The agency has received awards for outstanding contributions to the healthcare sector.
The state government has taken the fight against HIV/AIDS seriously, expending N69.9 million on laboratory testing consumables, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and outreach awareness campaigns.
The state government has also collaborated with development partners to address health sector challenges. Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has obtained donations of hospital equipment worth $10 million from the World Medical Relief, USA.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the Katsina State Government has demonstrated its commitment to providing quality healthcare services to its citizens. The government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Katsina State residents.