255 PHCs being upgraded in Kaduna, says commissioner

Umma Ahmad, the commissioner for health in Kaduna, says the Uba Sani administration is committed to revamping the state’s health sector.

Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Kaduna on Friday, Ahmad said the government has equipped several primary and secondary healthcare facilities across the state in the last 22 months.

She noted that the 255 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) are being upgraded to “Level 2 status” to provide basic emergency obstetrics and neonatal care in an effort to curb maternal and infant mortality.

“In 2024, Kaduna achieved 100 percent coverage of public health facilities in the distribution of medicines,” Ahmad said.

“Thirteen of the state’s 33 general hospitals are currently undergoing rehabilitation and re-equipping.”

The commissioner noted that work is also ongoing at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital in Tudun Wada, where new contracts have been awarded for reconstruction and modernisation.

She said the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency (KADHSMA) warehouse has been upgraded to a “pharma-grade” standard, now capable of storing up to 8,000 cubic metres of pharmaceutical products.

Ahmad disclosed that more than 975 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of medicines have been distributed to public health facilities, while diagnostic and therapeutic equipment has been supplied to 290 PHC centres across the state.

“The 300-bed Specialist Hospital in Kaduna will be commissioned as 85 per cent of the equipment has been installed,” she added.

Ahmad praised the governor for his commitment to increased health financing, which she said will help boost health insurance enrollment rates and improve access to quality care.