The Kaduna State Government has initiated the rehabilitation of 17 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) into Centres of Excellence, aiming to enhance healthcare services in rural and underserved communities. This effort, announced on October 1, 2026, by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdulkadir Mu'azu Mayere, is part of Governor Uba Sani's commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all residents. The upgrade will encompass infrastructure improvements, medical equipment, essential medicines, and better service delivery.
Dr. Mayere emphasized that primary healthcare is the foundation of human capital development and sustainable economic growth, as PHCs serve as the first point of contact for antenatal care, immunization, treatment of common illnesses, and early disease detection. The 17 Centres of Excellence will function as stronger healthcare hubs within local government areas, supporting surrounding facilities, improving referrals and clinical standards, and providing platforms for continuous learning.
The Kaduna State Government has also deployed standard tricycle ambulances to healthcare facilities to strengthen emergency referrals. Dr. Mayere noted that an ambulance is not just a vehicle but an important link in the continuum of care. The deployment of ambulances aims to reduce delays in accessing higher-level medical care, particularly in cases involving maternal and newborn emergencies, trauma, and severe infections.
To ensure the effectiveness of the ambulances, Dr. Mayere stressed the need for supportive management systems, including clear referral protocols, trained personnel, fuel, maintenance, communication, and monitoring. The impact of these investments will be measured through improved access to antenatal and maternity services, childhood immunization, faster emergency referrals, availability of essential medicines, and increased patient satisfaction.
Dr. Mayere called on ministries, departments, and agencies, local government authorities, facility managers, and community structures to ensure accountability in the implementation and management of the projects. He also 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 reiterated that the vision is not simply to build more facilities but to build a health system that people can trust.
The upgrade of the 17 PHCs and deployment of ambulances reflect the government's commitment to improving healthcare services in Kaduna State. The initiatives aim to provide quality healthcare to residents, regardless of their location or status, and to ensure that citizens find functional facilities, competent health workers, essential medicines, and a system that responds with dignity and respect when they visit a government health facility.
Key points
- The Kaduna State Government has commenced the rehabilitation of 17 primary healthcare centres into Centres of Excellence.
- The government has deployed standard tricycle ambulances to healthcare facilities to strengthen emergency referrals.
- The initiatives aim to provide quality healthcare to residents, regardless of their location or status.
