Katsina Invest N3.7b Into Healthcare, Unveils Sickle Cell Centre
By Juliet Vincent
As part of efforts to reposition the state’s health sector, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has revealed that between June 2023 and April 2024, the state government invested N3.77 billion in the state’s healthcare system.
The Katsina Governor disclosed this in his address during the official commissioning of a sickle cell centre and the monthly distribution of free sickle cell and malaria drugs in commemoration of Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
This was contained in a statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.
The event, organised under the Governor’s wife’s NGO, “Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative (SASHIN),” took place at Katsina General Hospital.
Governor Radda clarified that part of the funds was allocated to foreign scholarships for medical students from Katsina State and those on residency programmes.
He added that part of the fund was used for the upgrade of 102 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the state and plans are underway to upgrade 34 more to general hospitals by the end of the year.
He explained that one hundred and twelve million naira (N112,000,000) was used to provide allowances for 542 medical students studying both within Nigeria and abroad.
The Governor emphasized that healthcare funding had been increased by a substantial eight hundred percent.
Malam Radda reminded couples planning marriage to undergo medical tests to prevent the birth of children with sickle cell.
He commended the first lady’s initiative of providing free medication to children living with sickle cell and malaria. This he said would significantly enhance the state government’s efforts to improve healthcare access for citizens.
Earlier, Hajia Zulaihat Dikko Radda, the initiator of SASHIN and wife of the Katsina State Governor, stated that the centre would not only distribute drugs regularly but also ensure prompt healthcare delivery in the state.
She added that her NGO had registered nine thousand children and women living with sickle cell in the state and planned to enroll more in the program across the three senatorial zones.
The state Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Musa Adamu Funtua, emphasised that the health sector is a top priority area for the Radda-led administration.
He noted that the establishment of the sickle cell centre is a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to supporting those living with the disease.
On behalf of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Lawal Idris Bagiwa, the Sarkin Fulani Hamsheta expressed gratitude to the state governor for his efforts to improve the lives of the common people through various initiatives.
