Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani has reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare in the improved Primary Healthcare Centres across Kaduna State.
Governor Sani disclosed these interventions while hosting a delegation from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Emir of Argungu, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organization(WHO), UNICEF and other key stakeholders at the Government House, Kaduna.
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He also assured that other centres are to be upgraded to increase accessibility, decrease travel time to the facilities and as well, reduce overcrowding in densely populated centres.
Sani assured that additional fifteen percent of the state’s annual budget will be allocated to the provision of healthcare services to the people of Kaduna state.
He mentioned that some health statistics that needed urgent interventions include the neo-natal mortality rates and the outbreak of diseases like diphtheria, measles and polio.
“Government will control and prevent these viruses by improving the health indices in the State and strengthening primary healthcare centers. Additionally, the Kaduna State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme has embarked on a massive enrollment drive to get more residents to access healthcare services at subsidized rates.”
In his response Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, lauded the Governor for his inclusive policies targeting the most vulnerable groups and ensuring they are covered by primary healthcare.
He said the NPHCDA as an agency is also collaborating with traditional institutions to ensure universal health coverage.
On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Emir of Argungu, informed the State government about the resolutions of the Northern Traditional Rulers regarding tackling polio, adding that it was resolved that the focus must be on mobilization and ensuring accountability in the fight against the virus.
Also, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO Country Representative applauded the government for utilizing drones to deliver medication to remote areas within the state.
The delegation was in Kaduna as part of an advocacy visit to discuss critical matters concerning public health and primary healthcare in Kaduna State.
