In a major push to transform healthcare delivery, the Kaduna State Government has announced the upgrade of 255 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Level 2 facilities. This significant milestone is part of a wider plan to enhance basic emergency obstetrics and neonatal care, tackling the persistent challenges of maternal and infant mortality across the state.
Speaking at a press conference held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Health Commissioner Umma Ahmad highlighted the progress made in the health sector since Governor Uba Sani assumed office 22 months ago. She affirmed the Governor’s dedication to infrastructure development and the modernisation of both primary and secondary healthcare services throughout Kaduna.
Commissioner Ahmad revealed that Kaduna State had successfully achieved 100% coverage in the distribution of essential medicines to public health facilities last year, a feat commended by the Federal Ministry of Health. This was facilitated through the effective operations of the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency, which has won ten notable awards, including the prestigious ‘Excellence in Supply Chain’ accolade from the International Supply Chain Education Alliance.
Further affirming the state’s leadership in healthcare logistics, Kaduna was recognised by the National Product Supply Chain (NPSC) as one of the first sub-national regions to reach the ‘Maturity Ready to Integrate’ level. It was also honoured with the 2024 Leadership Challenge Award for the North West zone, highlighting the tangible impact of Governor Sani’s healthcare reforms.
The upgraded PHCs will play a vital role in providing essential maternal and neonatal emergency care, aiming to reduce the high rates of mortality. Commissioner Ahmad also noted the ongoing renovation of 13 out of 33 secondary healthcare facilities, including the extensive work at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital.
As part of broader improvements, the state has enhanced the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency’s warehouse to pharmaceutical-grade standards, enabling the storage of 8,000 cubic metres of medical supplies. The facility also now includes a quality control laboratory. Additionally, over 975 different types of medicines and consumables have been delivered to public facilities, while 290 PHCs have received state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
To improve accessibility to healthcare, the Governor has introduced free distribution of essential medicines across all local government areas, with a focus on marginalised communities. The construction of a 300-bed specialist hospital is also nearing completion, aimed at reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad. Civil works have concluded and 85% of the equipment has already been installed.
Commending the Governor’s focus on sustainable healthcare funding, Ahmad reported a 21.3% rise in health insurance enrolment, increasing from 527,303 in 2023 to 639,432 in 2024. The government has also approved the inclusion of 70,000 vulnerable individuals in the state’s social health insurance scheme.
In a further show of financial commitment, Governor Sani allocated N52 million as a 25% counterpart fund contribution to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), enabling an additional 4,333 vulnerable people to be enrolled.
Kaduna continues to set a benchmark in public health investment, allocating at least 15% of its total budget to the sector—an ambitious target still unmet at the federal level. To strengthen staffing at healthcare centres, the Governor has also approved the annual recruitment of 1,800 health professionals across all PHCs for the next four years.
This wide-ranging healthcare agenda illustrates Kaduna State’s determination to improve medical services and access for all its residents, placing maternal and neonatal care at the forefront of its priorities.
