Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, has revealed that as part of efforts to reposition the health sector, his administration, between June 2023 to April 2024, spent a total sum of three billion, seven hundred and seventy-seven million naira in the healthcare system.
He disclosed this during the official commissioning of a new sickle cell centre and the distribution of free sickle cell and malaria drugs at the Katsina General Hospital on Monday.
It was organised by an NGO, Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative, founded by the First Lady, Zulaihat Dikko Radda.
According to Radda, part of the funds was allocated to foreign scholarships for medical students from Katsina State and those on residency programmes.
“Also, part of the funds was used for the upgrade of 102 primary healthcare centres in the state and plans are underway to upgrade 34 more to general hospitals by the end of the year.
“One hundred and twelve million naira was used to provide allowances for 542 medical students studying both within Nigeria and abroad,” he said.
The governor emphasised that healthcare funding had been increased by a substantial eight hundred per cent.
He, however, reminded couples planning marriage to undergo medical tests to prevent the birth of children with sickle cell.
Radda commended the First Lady’s initiative of providing free medication to children living with sickle cell and malaria.
He said this would significantly enhance the state government’s efforts to improve healthcare access for citizens.
Earlier, Zulaihat stated that the centre would not only distribute drugs regularly but also ensure prompt healthcare delivery in the state.
“The NGO had registered nine thousand children and women living with sickle cell in the state and planned to enrol more in the programme across the three senatorial zones,” she stated.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Health, Musa Funtua, emphasised that the health sector is a top priority for the Radda-led administration noting that the establishment of the sickle cell centre is a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to supporting those living with the disease.
SOURCE: PUNCH NEWS
