Healthcare: Kaduna to rehabilitate 17 centers of excellence

The Kaduna State Government is rehabilitating 17 primary health centers (PHCs) into centers of excellence and has deployed standard tricycle ambulances to health facilities to improve emergency transfers in rural and disadvantaged communities.

Secretary to the Kaduna State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdulkadir Mu’azu Mayere, disclosed this during the inauguration ceremony of the projects on Wednesday.

He noted that the initiatives demonstrate Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to residents regardless of their location or status.

Dr Meyere also promised that the modernization will go beyond physical renovation and include improving infrastructure, provision of essential medical equipment and medicines, and improved service delivery.

“Our goal is clear: When a citizen enters a government healthcare facility, that citizen should find a functional facility, competent healthcare workers, essential medicines, and a system that responds with dignity and respect,” Mayere said.

According to him, primary healthcare is the foundation for human capital development and sustainable economic growth because primary healthcare centers are the first point of contact for antenatal care, immunization, treatment of common diseases and early diagnosis of diseases.

He said the rehabilitation of the 17 Centers of Excellence is designed to create stronger health centers within local government areas, which will support surrounding facilities, improve referrals and clinical quality, as well as provide platforms for continuous learning.

Mayere, who is a doctor, stressed that the deployment of ambulances will strengthen the emergency transfer system and reduce delays in accessing higher-level medical care.

“An ambulance is not simply a vehicle. It is an important link in the continuum of care,” he said, adding that delays in care can have serious consequences in cases involving maternal and neonatal emergencies, trauma and serious infections,” he noted

The SSG, however, warned that ambulances must be supported by appropriate management systems, including clear referral protocols, trained staff, fuel, maintenance, communication and monitoring arrangements.

According to him, greater access to quality antenatal and maternity services, better childhood vaccination, faster emergency transfers, availability of essential medicines and increased patient satisfaction will be the indicators to evaluate the impact of investments.

Dr Meyere also called on government ministries, departments and agencies, including local government authorities, facility managers and community facilities, to ensure accountability in the implementation and management of projects.

He urged neighborhood development committees and community leaders to protect the structures and provide feedback to the government, adding that the groundbreaking ceremony marked only the beginning of the process.

“Our vision is not simply to build more facilities. Our vision is to build a healthcare system that people can trust,” the SSG said.

He also commended development partners, Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board and health workers for their contribution to strengthening the state’s health system.