The Commissioner for Health, Kaduna State, Umma Ahmad, says it has recorded remarkable strides in the health sector under Gov. Uba Sani’s administration.
Ahmad said at a press briefing on Thursday in Kaduna that the key achievements included a N71.65 billion budget allocation and infrastructure upgrades.
Others, she said, were healthcare workers’ training, maternal and child health initiatives, digital health advancements and partnerships to enhance service delivery.
Ahmad also said the ongoing projects include a 300-bed specialist hospital and the establishment of emergency medical services.
The commissioner stated that this demonstrated the administration’s commitment to the provision of accessible and high-quality healthcare for all residents.
Ahmad also listed the substantial upgrades to nine secondary health facilities and the distribution of modern medical equipment worth over ₦3 billion to 290 primary healthcare centers.
”Additionally, the state is tackling malnutrition with 31,000 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and improving healthcare access through expanded insurance coverage, benefiting over 83,000 individuals,” she said,
The commissioner explained that the state had launched new digital health initiatives, such as the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, and it was working on substance abuse and mental health prevention programs.
” Sani’s administration also initiated Project 10 Million, screening citizens for hypertension and diabetes.
”It is boosting emergency response through the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS).
”The state continues to prioritize partnerships with global organizations and donors to elevate healthcare service delivery for its citizens,” Ahmad said.
The commissioner reiterated that the government has taken significant steps to improve healthcare services through a series of initiatives.
She said that they were aimed at expanding access, ensuring the availability of medical supplies, and upgrading healthcare infrastructure.
Ahmad said as part of its outreach efforts, the government has engaged 1,354 Community Health Influencers, Promoters, and Service Providers (CHIPS) across 14 Local Government Areas.
The commissioner said, “This programme aims to extend healthcare services to under-served areas and bring essential medical support closer to the people..
”In a bid to ensure consistent access to quality medicines, the state has also renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with the Pharmaceutical Group of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria.
“This partnership will ensure that medical supplies are affordable and equitably distributed.
”The Kaduna State Health Supply Management Agency (KADHSMA) i now achieving 100% distribution to health facilities across the state.”
Ahmad said while enhancing the health sector, the state’s medical stores have been upgraded to ‘Pharmagrade’ standards in collaboration with the Global Fund and the Federal Ministry of Health.
‘ These upgrades include best practices in warehousing, inventory management, and the addition of a laboratory to test the quality of stored medicines.
”Additionally, the state government has addressed critical infrastructure needs by establishing a new medical oxygen plant at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, Tudun Wada, in partnership with UNICEF.
“This plant complements the existing facility at Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, with plans for two more oxygen plants in the pipeline,” she stated.
Ahmad said Kaduna was also the first state in Nigeria to establish a Medical Oxygen Framework, ensuring a smooth operation of the oxygen system across healthcare facilities.
“A fully equipped neonatal center has also been set up at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, aiming to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity.
” This center will provide specialized care for premature babies and will also serve as a training ground for healthcare professionals to improve infant care in the state,” she added.
According to her, to improve logistics, Sani’s administration has reviewed the Service Level Agreement with Fly Zipline International Nigeria Limited.
Ahmad said, “This will enhance the delivery of medicines, vaccines, blood products, and other health supplies.
”This is via aerial drones to remote and hard-to-reach locations, ensuring timely access to critical healthcare resources.” (NAN)
