Kaduna State has earmarked ₦71.65 billion to improve its healthcare system, with over ₦3 billion in modern medical equipment distributed to 290 primary healthcare centers across the state.
This investment, aimed at enhancing medical infrastructure, was announced by the Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad, during a press briefing on Thursday in Kaduna.
“We have recorded remarkable strides in the health sector,” Ahmad said, citing the construction of a 300-bed specialist hospital and the upgrade of nine secondary health facilities as part of ongoing projects.
As part of the state’s healthcare strategy, Ahmad outlined efforts to address malnutrition, including the distribution of 31,000 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF).
The commissioner also highlighted the expansion of healthcare insurance coverage to over 83,000 individuals, ensuring broader access to medical services.
Furthermore, digital health initiatives, such as the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system and the launch of Project 10 Million, were introduced to screen citizens for hypertension and diabetes.
These efforts are supported by the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS), boosting emergency response capabilities.
Ahmad stressed the importance of partnerships in the state’s healthcare development.
The engagement of 1,354 Community Health Influencers, Promoters, and Service Providers (CHIPS) across 14 Local Government Areas aims to improve healthcare access in underserved communities.
In addition, the state’s collaboration with global organizations and donors, such as UNICEF, has facilitated the upgrade of medical stores to ‘Pharmagrade’ standards and the establishment of a new oxygen plant at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital.
A fully equipped neonatal center has also been launched at the hospital to reduce neonatal mortality rates.
