Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State launched the Primary Healthcare Centres Revitalisation Project, a N2.9 billion initiative aimed at upgrading 30 healthcare centers across the state’s 30 constituencies.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Sakwaya community, Dutse Local Government Area, the governor explained that the project will enhance the healthcare centers’ operations by creating a conducive environment for providing 24-hour services to the people.
He elaborated, “Today, we are laying the foundation of the revitalization of 30 PHCs in our rural communities. This is a bundled optimization project that includes fencing the facilities, provision of solar-powered water schemes, and solar electricity.
“We are also constructing staff quarters, to provide befitting accommodation for all the frontline health workforce in the facilities.
“The aim is to strengthen the facilities by creating the necessary enabling environment to enable them to provide 24-hour services closer to the people no matter how remotely the location is.”
The governor announced that the healthcare upgrade project will be completed within two years, in partnership with development partners, and will cover all 287 wards in the state.
He also highlighted the recruitment of 900 primary healthcare workers, 200 secondary healthcare staff, and plans to hire 1,000 additional ad hoc health workers, to ensure improved healthcare services.
Namadi stated, “No matter how good a health facility looks, optimum services cannot be provided without the health workers to be providing the services”.
The governor has established a team of special assistants and advisors to oversee investments in all communities, ensuring that public services align with the people’s needs and aspirations. This move guarantees consistent and effective service delivery.
Furthermore, the Health Commissioner, Dr. Mohammed Kainuwa, announced that the government has revised the Primary Healthcare Development Agency’s law to address staff distribution disparities at the local level. This reform aims to ensure that each primary healthcare center has an adequate workforce for optimal service delivery.
Additionally, the state government has allocated N1.5 billion to support the most vulnerable 143,500 individuals, promoting equitable access to primary healthcare services and addressing existing disparities.
He elaborateed, “The beneficiaries are not enjoying any social protection programme in its social insurance”.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Kainuwa, announced that the state government has finalized plans to establish new general hospitals in Ringim and Kafinhausa, in addition to upgrading various healthcare facilities, including the College of Health Science in Jahun, the Psychiatric Hospital in Kazaure, and establishing a state-of-the-art Diagnostic and Cardiac Center in Dutse.
Meanwhile, the UNICEF Country Representative, Ms.Christin Munduate, praised Governor Namadi for his dedication to combating malnutrition and addressing the state’s healthcare challenges, acknowledging his commitment to improving the well-being of the population.
