The Kebbi State Government has taken a significant step to enhance healthcare services in the state by distributing state-of-the-art ambulances to various hospitals.
Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Musa-Ismail, formally handed over the keys to the Principal Medical Officers of the General Hospital and Teaching Hospital in Kalgo, Birnin Kebbi.
This generous gesture benefited several general hospitals, including Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Argungu General Hospital, Bunza General Hospital, Yauri General Hospital, and Zuru General Hospital.
During the key handover ceremony, Musa-Ismail emphasized the importance of proper vehicle management, as instructed by Governor Nasir Idris, to ensure the ambulances continue to serve their purpose effectively.
He said “Gov. Idris is committed to improving the health sector, part of which involves easing the movement of patients to access healthcare,
hence the purchase and distribution of the ambulances.
“The governor also approved the harmonisation of doctor’s salaries to be at par with what is obtained at the federal level to check brain drain.
“Doctors in the state have started enjoying the harmonised salary from August.”
Dr. Shehu Koko, Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Health, praised the governor for his efforts in making healthcare services more accessible and affordable for the citizens.
He noted that the provision of ambulances would significantly enhance the referral process, leading to improved healthcare outcomes for patients in need of specialized care.
“because morbidity and mortality often occur due to delays in getting patients to health facilities for medical care.
“We are grateful to the governor for the interventions, as he has also approved the recruitment of 500 health workers to be deployed to primary healthcare centres.
“We also thank the governor for approving the employment of more doctors and nurses for secondary and tertiary health institutions.
“The governor also upgraded the central medical store to global standard to provide a platform for the state’s drug revolving fund operation that will ensure the procurement and supply of quality drugs to all health facilities.”
Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, Commissioner for Information and Culture, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services.
Dr. Abubakar Kaoje, acting Chief Medical Director of Kebbi Teaching Hospital, Kalgo, speaking on behalf of the beneficiary hospitals, pledged that the ambulances would be utilized effectively and efficiently for their intended purpose, aligning with the government’s objectives.
