Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State on Thursday flagged off the distribution of free medicare commodities and medical equipment to hospitals across the state.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the medical supplies, donated under Project CURE, are expected to strengthen healthcare delivery across hospitals in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony in Katsina, Radda described the intervention as another milestone in his administration’s efforts to improve the state’s healthcare system through strategic partnerships and sustained investment.
He said the medicines and equipment would enhance service delivery, improve the capacity of health facilities and equip healthcare workers to provide quality medical services.
“Today’s event marks another important milestone in our administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the healthcare system and improving access to quality healthcare for our people.
“It also reflects the strong partnership between the Katsina State Government and Project CURE in our shared commitment to saving lives and improving health outcomes,” the governor said.
Radda said the intervention would also reduce the financial burden on vulnerable families who struggle to afford medical treatment.
According to him, every resident deserves access to quality healthcare, irrespective of financial status or place of residence, adding that the principle continues to guide the administration’s investment in the health sector.
The governor disclosed that funding for the state’s Free Medicare Programme had increased by 207 per cent, enabling more eligible residents to benefit from free healthcare services.
He also highlighted reforms undertaken to strengthen the Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency (DMSA), including the completion of a pharmaceutical production line, expansion of logistics capacity with additional delivery trucks and the commencement of the Drug Revolving Fund Programme in the state’s 361 upgraded Primary Healthcare Centres.
Radda further said that approval had been granted for the recruitment of additional personnel to strengthen warehousing, pharmaceutical production, quality assurance, logistics and inventory management.
He said the reforms formed part of the administration’s broader agenda to improve health infrastructure, strengthen the healthcare supply chain and ensure efficient service delivery.o
The governor commended Project CURE for its continued partnership with the state and urged benefiting health facilities to ensure proper management and utilisation of the medicines and equipment.
He assured that the government would monitor their distribution to ensure they served the intended beneficiaries.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency, Pharmacist Fatima Shuaibu, said the agency had recorded significant progress since the commencement of the administration’s healthcare reforms in 2023.
She explained that the agency’s workforce had increased from 34 to 70 personnel, while the Drug Revolving Fund recorded a 400 per cent growth.
According to her, health facility coverage also expanded by 900 per cent, rising from 50 to about 200 facilities across the state.
Shuaibu said the agency had established pharmaceutical-grade warehouses in collaboration with the state government and commenced the production of extemporaneous pharmaceutical products, which currently account for about 10 per cent of its internally generated revenue.
She added that the Free Medicare Programme had expanded by 207 per cent to cover more pregnant women, children under five, malaria treatment, as well as free snakebite antivenom and anti-rabies treatment. (NAN)
