By Musa Abdullahi Sufi, SIDES Media
Katsina State’s healthcare sector has experienced impressive progress under the leadership of Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda PhD. In just over a year, significant enhancements have been made in healthcare delivery, workforce development, and access to essential medical services.
In an exclusive interview with SIDES Media, Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Agency (KTSPHC), provided a detailed evaluation of these achievements, guided by the Health System Building Blocks framework from the World Health Organization.
Service Delivery
The state has prioritized upgrading healthcare facilities across all local government areas, with each LGA benefitting from improvements in infrastructure, equipment, and services. Immunization programs and malaria interventions have also been bolstered. A state-of-the-art dialysis center and the solarization of the state cold chain office highlight these advancements.
Health Workforce
In 2023, 546 medical students were granted scholarships, while 42 were fully sponsored to study MBBS abroad. The government has also employed numerous health professionals and launched the residency training program. Additionally, 150 midwives were engaged under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Health Information Systems
Katsina has embraced digitalization in healthcare, implementing Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Biometric Information Systems. This shift enables better data-driven decisions through the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS) and the District Health Information System (DHIS-2).
Medical Products, Vaccines, and Technologies
The state has made substantial investments in medical equipment, including MRI and CT machines, with the construction of a local pharmaceutical unit underway. The cold chain system has been solarized, and the state has enhanced its vaccine storage capacity.
Health Financing
Efforts to reduce out-of-pocket expenses have been strengthened through the Katsina State Contributory Health Management Agency (KTSCHMA), which has enrolled over 264,000 beneficiaries in its various programs. The government has also increased health funding releases to support these initiatives.
**Leadership and Governance**
Governor Dikko Umar Radda’s administration has focused on accountability and stakeholder engagement. The establishment of functional Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and a coordinating agency for development partners underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and multisectoral collaboration.
While challenges such as budget constraints, insecurity, and public expectations remain, Dr. Yahaya is optimistic about the future of healthcare in Katsina. The state is laying the groundwork for continued progress and aims to set a benchmark in healthcare excellence.
Interview Highlights
_”The future of healthcare in Katsina State looks promising,”_ said Dr. Yahaya, emphasizing Governor Radda’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
SIDES Media commends the Katsina State government for its remarkable achievements and looks forward to more developments in the years ahead.
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