The Kaduna State government has announced a major allocation of ₦71.65 billion aimed at improving medical services and infrastructure, alongside the distribution of over ₦3 billion worth of modern medical equipment to 290 primary healthcare centers.
During a press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad, highlighted these developments. “We have recorded remarkable strides in the health sector,” she said, pointing to the significant budget allocation and infrastructure improvements currently underway.
Among the projects are the construction of a 300-bed specialist hospital, the establishment of emergency medical services, and upgrades to nine secondary health facilities. These initiatives are designed to boost the state’s healthcare delivery system.
In line with its comprehensive healthcare strategy, Kaduna State is also tackling pressing health issues such as malnutrition, having distributed 31,000 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF). Expanding healthcare access is another priority, with over 83,000 people now benefiting from extended insurance coverage.
Ahmad outlined additional innovations, including the introduction of an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system and Project 10 Million, which aims to screen citizens for hypertension and diabetes. The state’s emergency response is also getting a boost through the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS).
Partnerships remain a cornerstone of Kaduna’s healthcare strategy. Ahmad emphasized the role of collaboration with global organizations and donors in improving service delivery. One such initiative is the deployment of 1,354 Community Health Influencers, Promoters, and Service Providers (CHIPS) across 14 local government areas, targeting underserved communities.
Furthermore, the state has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with the Pharmaceutical Group of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, ensuring affordable and equitable distribution of medical supplies. Ahmad noted that the Kaduna State Health Supply Management Agency (KADHSMA) has achieved 100% distribution to health facilities.
Additional improvements include the upgrade of the state’s medical stores to ‘Pharmagrade’ standards and the establishment of a new oxygen plant at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, developed in partnership with UNICEF. This will complement an existing facility, with plans for two more oxygen plants in the pipeline. A fully equipped neonatal center at the hospital also aims to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity.
Ahmad concluded by highlighting advances in logistics through an updated agreement with Fly Zipline International Nigeria Limited, which will use aerial drones to deliver essential medical supplies to remote areas.
