The Kebbi State Government in Nigeria has introduced a fleet of state-of-the-art ambulances to improve patient referrals to secondary and tertiary health facilities across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Musa-Ismail, presented the keys to the Principal Medical Officers of the General Hospital and Teaching Hospital, Kalgo, during a ceremony in Birnin Kebbi. The distribution includes several key hospitals, namely Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, General Hospital Argungu, Bunza General Hospital, Yauri General Hospital, and Zuru General Hospital.
In his address, Musa-Ismail emphasised the importance of careful management of the ambulances, aligning with Governor Nasir Idris’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare sector. He also noted that Governor Idris has approved the harmonisation of doctors’ salaries to match federal levels, a move aimed at mitigating brain drain. Doctors in the state began receiving the harmonised salaries starting August.
Dr Shehu Koko, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, praised the governor’s efforts to make healthcare services more accessible and affordable. He highlighted that the new ambulances are expected to significantly enhance patient referrals, addressing issues of morbidity and mortality often caused by delays in reaching health facilities.
Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, Commissioner for Information and Culture, reiterated the state government’s resolve to improve healthcare services. Dr Abubakar Kaoje, Acting Chief Medical Director of Kebbi Teaching Hospital, Kalgo, assured that the ambulances would be utilised as intended, enhancing the efficiency of patient referrals.