By Muhammad Inuwa M/fashi
In a determined effort to elevate healthcare services in Katsina State, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda undertook a comprehensive tour of six Local Government Areas (LGAs) on Wednesday.
The governor’s visit, which spanned Rimi, Batagarawa, Charanchi, Kankia, Musawa, and Matazu LGAs, focused on inspecting state-owned healthcare facilities to assess their condition and gather firsthand insights into the challenges facing the sector.
Governor Radda, accompanied by key officials from the Ministry of Health, embarked on the visit as part of his administration’s broader agenda to reform the healthcare sector.
His personal inspection of these facilities underscores the state’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to its residents, especially in rural communities.
During the tour, the governor expressed concern over the dilapidated state of some healthcare centers, citing poor infrastructure, a shortage of medical personnel, and inadequate equipment as major challenges.
He highlighted the need for immediate interventions, including renovation of the buildings, provision of essential medical supplies, and recruitment of more healthcare workers to meet the growing demands of the population.
At Rimi, the governor observed that the healthcare facility had limited staff, making it difficult to handle the influx of patients. He pledged to address this by fast-tracking the recruitment of more healthcare professionals to ensure better service delivery.
“The current state of our healthcare facilities is unacceptable,” Governor Radda said. “As a government, we are fully committed to turning this around. We will provide the necessary resources to ensure our people have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their location.”
In Batagarawa, the governor interacted with patients and healthcare workers to get a clearer understanding of the operational challenges.
He noted that inadequate electricity supply was hampering the functioning of medical equipment, particularly during emergencies. In response, he promised to provide alternative power sources such as solar panels to ensure uninterrupted services.
At Charanchi and Kankia, Governor Radda inspected the maternity wards and emergency units. He was briefed on the high maternal and infant mortality rates, largely due to a lack of sufficient medical supplies and personnel.
The governor emphasized that his administration would prioritize improving maternal and child healthcare across the state.
Musawa and Matazu LGAs also received the governor’s attention, with healthcare workers outlining the urgent need for better sanitation, equipment, and drugs.
Governor Radda assured the staff that his government would provide adequate funding to revamp the facilities, improve hygiene, and ensure the availability of critical medical supplies.
Governor Radda’s visit is part of his broader Civil Service Transformation Agenda, which includes the enhancement of public health services as a top priority.
Speaking to local media after the inspection, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s determination to bridge the gap in healthcare delivery in the state, particularly in rural areas.
“Our goal is to create a healthcare system that serves everyone equally, and today’s visit is a step toward realizing that vision,” Radda stated. “We will ensure that every LGA in Katsina has well-equipped, fully functional healthcare centers capable of providing high-quality services to all residents.”
The governor concluded his tour by directing the immediate release of funds to begin the renovation of the healthcare centers he visited, while tasking the Ministry of Health to produce a detailed report on the additional requirements for each facility.
Governor Radda further pledged to continue such inspections across the state to ensure consistent monitoring and improvement of healthcare services.
This visit aligns with Governor Radda’s ongoing efforts to address the broader challenges facing Katsina State, including education, security, and infrastructure development. His administration is working to create a comprehensive development plan that integrates healthcare improvements as a crucial component of the state’s overall progress.
Residents of the visited LGAs expressed optimism that the governor’s visit would lead to tangible improvements, with many hoping for a swift transformation of their healthcare centers into more effective and reliable institutions.
Muhammad Inuwa M/fashi
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