The Katsina State Government has announced plans to establish 102 health facilities to improve healthcare access for Katsina residents.
This was revealed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda while innaugrating first-ever Council on Health held at the state secretariat conference hall, in Katsina.
The state council on health, which is the first of its kind would serve as a platform for collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers and community organizations to address public health issues in the state.
He affirmed his administration’s commitment to improve healthcare access for Katsina residents, adding that his administration has commenced the construction of over 102 new health facilities across the State.
Highlighting some key investments embarked upon by his administration to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, Gov Radda said these include the release of over one billion naira for the upgrade of the Faskari Comprehensive Health Center to a General Hospital, the completion of the ongoing Kafur General Hospital project and funds mobilization for the completion of Zango General Hospital.
Similarly, he revealed that the Ministry of Health had initiated the contracting process to upgrade the Kankara and Dandume Comprehensive Health centers to General Hospitals.
Outlining the terms of reference of the council, Governor Radda named the commissioner of health, Dr. Bashir Gambo Saulawa, as the chairman with the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics of the Health Ministry as the secretary.
He said the committee’s mandate includes reviewing the current performance of the state’s health sector and identifying gaps and challenges and in addition mobilize and allocate resources, as well ensure accountability and transparency in the health sector, among others.
Dr. Bashir Gambo Saulawa, the state Commissioner of Health, earlier, said the State Council on Health would play a crucial role in the state’s journey towards ensuring the well-being and health needs of its residents.
The commissioner said the council would create an environment where policies and standards set by the national council on health are effectively implemented, monitored, and aligned with the blueprint of the Radda-led administration.
In their separate goodwill messages, development partners and organizations, including UNICEF, WHO, CDC affiliates, and the NGOs of the governor’s wife, cited the commitment of the Radda-led administration in addressing the challenges facing the health sector and promised more collaboration in achieving the set goals.
