By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has called for an urgent overhaul of the state’s health sector following a three-day inspection of hospitals and primary health centres across five local government areas.
Lawmakers, who toured facilities in Sabon Gari, Igabi, Jaba, Jama’a and Sanga LGAs alongside EngenderHealth Consortium Partners, decried poor infrastructure, erratic power supply, shortage of personnel and stalled projects.
Chairman, House Committee on Primary Health, Barr. Emmanuel Kantiok, while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after the inspection on Saturday, said the visit was aimed at ensuring accountability in service delivery.
“We went out and saw things for ourselves. This visit helps us interact directly with the people and see the real issues on the ground,” he said.
Patients and health workers complained of high drug costs, unreliable power and inadequate manpower. In Sabon Gari, lawmakers urged the speedy completion of Major Ibrahim B. Abdullahi Memorial General Hospital, while PHC Hanwa was commended for its solar facilities and cleanliness.
At Igabi, PHC Maraban Jos lacked basic amenities, though Rigasa General Hospital was praised for laboratory improvements. Facilities in Jaba, Jama’a and Sanga LGAs were described as functional but in dire need of upgrades, including paediatric wards and sanitation facilities.
Chairman, House Committee on Health, Haruna Barnabas Danmaigona, said urgent intervention was needed to recruit more doctors, expand water supply and provide solar systems.
EngenderHealth Consortium Partners revealed that while PHCs scored about 70 per cent in functionality, general hospitals lagged behind with projects at only 30–50 per cent completion.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, said Governor Uba Sani’s administration is committed to revamping all PHCs and general hospitals across the 23 LGAs.
He disclosed that 14 general hospitals are currently undergoing remodeling and 255 PHCs are being upgraded to provide emergency obstetrics and neonatal care.
“The present administration is not paying lip service to healthcare. We are laying a solid foundation for hospitals and health centres across the state so that people in both rural and urban areas can enjoy quality healthcare,” Ahmed said.
