By our Correspondent
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has flagged off the distribution of free medicare commodities and medical equipment donated under Project CURE to hospitals across the state, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery for all residents.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Katsina, Governor Radda described the intervention as a significant milestone in his administration’s ongoing efforts to transform the state’s health sector through strategic partnerships and sustained investment.
“The medicines and equipment we are distributing today will improve service delivery, strengthen the capacity of our hospitals, and provide healthcare workers with the tools they need to offer quality medical services,” the Governor said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
“This 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.”
Governor Radda emphasised that the intervention would significantly reduce the financial burden on vulnerable families who struggle to afford medical treatment.
“Our administration believes that every citizen deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of financial status or place of residence. This conviction continues to guide our investments in the health sector,” he stated., adding that 207% Funding Increase for Free Medicare
The Governor disclosed that his administration had increased funding for the state’s Free Medicare Programme by 207 per cent, enabling more eligible residents to benefit from free healthcare services across Katsina.
He also outlined ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency, including the completion of a pharmaceutical production line, expansion of logistics capacity through additional delivery trucks, and the rollout of the Drug Revolving Fund Programme in all 361 upgraded Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
Additional personnel have been approved for recruitment to bolster warehousing, pharmaceutical production, quality assurance, logistics, and inventory management.
“These initiatives form part of our broader healthcare reform agenda aimed at improving health infrastructure, strengthening the healthcare supply chain, and ensuring that government investments translate into better healthcare services for our people,” the Governor added.
Governor Radda commended Project CURE for its continued partnership with the state, describing the collaboration as one that would make a lasting difference in the lives of residents.
He urged all benefiting health facilities to ensure proper management and utilisation of the medicines and equipment, warning that “government resources must always serve the people for whom they are intended.”
The agency Records 400% Growth in Drug Revolving Fund.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency, Pharmacist Fatima Shuaibu, highlighted remarkable achievements since the beginning of the current administration’s healthcare reforms in 2023.
On the Free Medicare Programme, Shuaibu noted that “the programme has increased by 207 per cent and has now been expanded to cover more pregnant women, children under five, malaria treatment, as well as free snake venom and anti-rabies treatment across the state. We are the first to implement this initiative.”
The Executive Secretary also revealed that the agency had introduced digital reforms, including an electronic ordering system, while additional vehicles had been procured to improve last-mile delivery of medicines to healthcare facilities.
She added that the National Product Supply Chain Management Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health recently assessed the agency and awarded it an overall score of 71 per cent, moving it from the “Emerging” category to the “Maturing – Not Ready to Integrate” level.
Shuaibu further disclosed that the agency’s pharmaceutical production plant was nearing completion and would commence production of six oral dosage formulations before the end of the year.
“We expect the production plant to contribute significantly to the revenue of both the agency and Katsina State while improving the availability of quality medicines within and outside the state,” she said.
She appealed to the Governor to support the provision of reliable electricity for pharmaceutical-grade warehouses and the establishment of regional warehouses to improve medicine distribution to remote primary healthcare facilities.
Shuaibu thanked Governor Radda for his consistent support, stating that the administration’s investments had transformed healthcare delivery across Katsina State and improved access to essential medicines for thousands of residents. (GSF)
