Kano Lawmaker Calls for Establishment of Secondary Health Facilities in All LGAs

By Hussaina Sa’id Bichi

Kano Lawmaker Calls for Establishment of Secondary Health Facilities in All LGAs

A member of the Kano State House of Assembly has called for legislation mandating the establishment of secondary health facilities in every local government headquarters across the state.

The lawmaker representing Madobi Constituency, in the Assembly , Alhaji Suleiman Mukhtar Ishaq made the call during an inspection tour of Akilu Memorial Primary Health Facility and Kwankwaso Cottage Hospital in Madobi Local Government Area.

The over sight visit team led by the legislator consist of officials from the SPHCM, KSCHMA supported by Health partners, LISDEL , ISMPH and EngenderHealth aimed at enhancing qualitative healthcare delivery.

Ishaq stressed that by ensuring each of the state’s 44 local government areas has at least one secondary health facility would significantly improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in reducing high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality.

“Providing secondary facilities in every local government headquarters will surely improve qualitative health care delivery, especially in curtailing the high rate of maternity and neonatal deaths,” he stated.

The lawmaker explained that though the lawmakers in the Assembly already embarked on moving a motion and work with stakeholders aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

He also commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his health sector reforms, including the Abba Care initiative, free maternal kits, and free drug distribution, which he said had benefitted thousands of women in rural communities.

While acknowledging these achievements, Ishaq urged the state government to intensify efforts in recruiting more professional doctors, nurses, and health workers to achieve the desired outcomes.

He further pledged to construct staff quarters and provide a solar-powered water system in both facilities to enhance service delivery.

On the purpose of the inspection visit, the legislator said it was aimed at identifying challenges affecting the health sector and assessing the condition of existing structures with a view to addressing gaps.

Community members also lent their voices to the call for improved healthcare infrastructure. Malam Isa Yusuf, a resident, appealed to the government to upgrade the facilities to secondary level, noting that they serve patients from neighboring local government areas including Kiru, Bebeji, Rimin Gado, Garin Malam, and Rikadawa.

Similarly, Alhaji Malam Bala of Kwankwaso community advocated for the expansion of Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) services in the area.