The Kaduna State Government has initiated a project to rehabilitate 17 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) into Centres of Excellence. This move aims to make quality healthcare accessible to residents across the state, regardless of their location or status. The project was announced during a groundbreaking ceremony, where Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, Dr. Abdulkadir Mu'azu Mayere, highlighted Governor Uba Sani's commitment to healthcare development.
The rehabilitation project will not only involve physical renovation but also infrastructure upgrades, supply of medical equipment, and essential medicines. Additionally, the initiative seeks to improve service delivery in the healthcare sector. Dr. Mayere emphasized that the goal is to ensure that citizens find functional facilities, competent health workers, and essential medicines when they visit government health facilities.
According to Dr. Mayere, primary healthcare is crucial for human capital development and sustainable economic growth. PHCs serve as the first point of contact for antenatal care, immunization, treatment of common illnesses, and early detection of diseases. The rehabilitation of the 17 Centres of Excellence aims to create stronger healthcare hubs within local government areas, supporting surrounding facilities and improving referrals and clinical quality.
As part of the project, the Kaduna State Government has distributed standard tricycle ambulances to healthcare facilities to enhance emergency referrals in rural and underserved communities. Dr. Mayere noted that ambulances are a vital link in the continuum of care, and delays in referrals can have serious consequences, particularly in cases involving maternal and newborn emergencies, trauma, and severe infections.
However, Dr. Mayere cautioned that the ambulances must be backed by proper management systems, including clear referral protocols, trained personnel, fuel, maintenance, communication, and monitoring arrangements. The government will assess the impact of the investments based on indicators such as increased access to quality antenatal and maternity services, improved childhood immunization, and faster emergency referrals.
Dr. Mayere called on government agencies, local government authorities, facility managers, and community structures to ensure accountability in the implementation and management of the projects. He urged Ward Development Committees and community leaders to protect the facilities and provide feedback to the government, emphasizing that the groundbreaking ceremony marked only the beginning of the process.
The Secretary to the State Government commended development partners, the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, and health workers for their contributions to strengthening the state's healthcare system. He emphasized that the vision is not simply to build more facilities but to build a health system that people can trust, ensuring that citizens receive quality healthcare services.
Key points
- The Kaduna State Government has initiated a project to rehabilitate 17 Primary Healthcare Centres into Centres of Excellence.
- The project aims to improve emergency referrals, increase access to quality healthcare, and enhance service delivery.
- The government will assess the impact of the investments based on indicators such as increased access to quality antenatal and maternity services and faster emergency referrals.
