Faced with an unprecedented and embarrassing decay in the health sector in Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal declared a state of emergency on the sector immediately after he took over as the state chief executive.
To change the ugly scenario, Governor Lawal quickly started renovating, modernising, upgrading, equipping, and building new general hospitals across the state.
One year on, these hitherto decrepit, understaffed and life-threatening general hospitals now wear a new look, with state-of-the-art facilities, trained and well-remunerated physicians and health workers for effective, safe, people-centred, timely, equitable, and integrated service delivery to the people.
GOV. LAWAL FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF 200-BED CAPACITY AT TALATA MAFARA GENERAL HOSPITAL, PROCURES ADVANCED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
Governor Dauda Lawal has restated his administration’s dedication to investing in the health sector of Zamfara State, recognizing the vital role that General Hospitals play in the healthcare delivery system.
On Saturday, the governor inaugurated the reconstruction and equipping of the General Hospital in the Talata Mafara local government area, including the construction of a 200-bed capacity.
Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim, the former governor of Old Sokoto State, was the special guest of honor at the flag-off ceremony.
In his remarks, Governor Dauda Lawal expressed concern about the neglect of Talatan Mafara General Hospital, highlighting the lack of essential medical equipment and poor infrastructure over the years.
Governor Lawal revealed that previous governments had completely neglected the healthcare sector, which has driven his administration to embark on a process of revamping it.
He said: “By the will of Allah, I am here today to fulfill the promise I made a few months ago when I visited this hospital and the State University. Considering the sorry state of this health facility, I pledged to undertake its total reconstruction to provide a befitting General Hospital for an expanding commercial town like Talata Mafara.
“Our administration has prioritized the revitalization of decaying infrastructure as a critical pillar of our transformational agenda. We have deliberately placed education and healthcare at the forefront, recognizing their central roles in societal development. This hospital is just one of many facilities being constructed to provide a conducive environment for delivering quality healthcare services.
“Our administration remains steadfast in its commitment to investing in the health sector, with a clear understanding of the crucial role that General Hospitals play in the healthcare delivery system. They serve as the vital link between Primary Healthcare facilities and Tertiary institutions.
“The project we are flagging off today involves the construction of a 200-bed capacity hospital and providing modern equipment to improve service delivery to the people.
“It includes the construction of the following facilities: reception and waiting rooms, records and accounts section, pediatric ward, male medical ward, male surgical ward, laboratory, theatre, dental lab, pharmacy, female surgical ward, female medical ward, ENT department, two labor rooms with an in-charge office, treatment room, nurse’s station, CMD office with a secretary’s office, dentist office, female changing room, five consulting rooms, ICU, X-ray unit, preparation room, recovery room, pharmacy, mammogram unit, Accident & Emergency (A&E) unit, office, doctor’s on-call room, antenatal ward, restaurant with kitchen, two two-bed wards, and a matron’s office.
“It will be completed within six months, with Abdulwahab Razaq Memorial Ltd as the contractor. At this juncture, it is my singular honor and privilege to invite our special guest of honor, His Excellency, the former Governor of old Sokoto State, Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim, mni, Magajin Rafin Sokoto, to flag off the construction of this hospital officially.”
Earlier, the former governor of the old Sokoto State, Mallam Yahaya Abdulkarim, commended Governor Dauda Lawal for making the healthcare sector one of his administration’s priorities. “I was amazed when the governor told me that all advanced equipment had already been procured for the General Hospital; this is laudable.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor September 08, 2024
GOV. LAWAL COMMISSIONS RENOVATED, EQUIPPED KAURAN NAMODA GENERAL HOSPITAL, VOWS TO REVAMP ZAMFARA HEALTH SECTOR
On Tuesday, Governor Dauda Lawal commissioned the newly rehabilitated and equipped General Hospital in Kauran Namoda local government area of Zamfara State.
The General Hospital serving Kauran Namoda and its neighboring communities has been equipped to deliver quality healthcare services effectively.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the general hospital had been equipped with diagnostic sets, delivery beds, ECG machines, centrifuge machines, blood mixing machines, an automatic hematology analyzer, an electronic weighing system, and an LED theatre operating lamp, among other equipment.
The statement emphasized that general hospitals are crucial for providing advanced care, which should be accessible and affordable to the people of Zamfara state.
At the commissioning, Governor Lawal reiterated that his administration’s primary focus is revitalizing the deteriorating infrastructure and addressing the problems across all sectors of the state’s economy. “This vision guided our decision to develop a transformation agenda comprising six pillars, with health being the third pillar, following education and security.
“Our objective in revitalizing hospitals is to ensure that quality healthcare services are available to our people, whether in rural communities or urban and semi-urban centers. This understanding led us to renovate and rehabilitate dilapidated health centers, especially in critical towns like Kaura Namoda, strategically located among the urban local governments and serving as a reference point for many surrounding communities.
“I am delighted to report that in the last 14 months, we have made significant strides in improving the health sector by investing in renovating and upgrading hospitals and primary healthcare centers across the state. We are also concluding plans to recruit and train more health workers, procure essential drugs and equipment, and introduce free maternal and child health services. These interventions, we hope, will result in improved health outcomes for our people through the reduction in maternal mortality, infant mortality, and morbidity rates across the state.
“Today’s inauguration demonstrates our commitment to providing quality healthcare for all residents of Zamfara, regardless of their location, status, or income.
“The project scope included the complete renovation of the hospital, providing 32 kW of steady solar power, installing 25 streetlights, and supplying essential medical equipment. With the successful completion of this facility, I am confident that the people of Kaura Namoda and neighboring towns and villages will now have access to affordable and quality healthcare services.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor August 20, 2024
GOV. LAWAL CHAIRS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, APPROVES THE PROCESS OF IMMEDIATE REMODELLING OF ZAMFARA STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
Governor Dauda Lawal has approved the process of complete remodelling and renovation of Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital to meet the challenges of the growing need for tertiary medical services in Zamfara State.
The governor approved the process for the renovation of the specialist hospital on Monday during the nineteenth (19th) Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Gusau.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the process would begin immediately and that the remodelling is expected to restore the facility to a modern and functional health centre.
According to the statement, the decision was made in line with the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the Zamfara health sector.
He said: “Yesterday, while presiding over the Executive Council meeting, Governor Lawal approved the process for the immediate remodelling of the Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital.
“The State Specialist Hospital has been in disrepair for a long time and has inadequate medical equipment. As a result, patients have had to travel to Sokoto or Kaduna for kidney dialysis and other critical medical tests.
“Alhaji Mustapha Falaki, the Managing Director of Minjirya Health Services Limited, presented to the council on the specialist hospital’s current state and the next steps in the remodeling process.
“As part of the hospital’s remodeling plan, new structures and medical facilities will be built, machines will be equipped, and end-user training will be provided to make the Specialist Hospital a modern and well-equipped healthcare facility that will provide quality healthcare services to the people of the state.
During the council meeting, several crucial matters were discussed. One of the main topics of discussion was the state social protection policy. This policy aims to bring together various Social Protection Interventions that align with the vision of Zamfara State as one of Nigeria’s development hubs. The policy sets out a clear set of strategies and policies to help guide public and private investments in social protection.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Spokesperson for the Zamfara Governor March 19, 2024
ZAMFARA GOV’T CONCLUDES THIRD PHASE OF FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, TREATS 2,213 PERSONS
Zamfara State Government concluded the third phase of its free modified outreach program, treating 2,213 individuals.
The Special Modified Medical Outreach Program began in July last year, providing free medical services to individuals with cataract extraction, groin swellings such as hernias and hydroceles, vesicovaginal fistula repairs, and health education.
A statement by the Spokesperson of the Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that 2,213 persons were treated during the free outreach’s first, second and third phases.
According to him, the third phase of the free outreach lasted between the 23rd and 25th of February 2024.
The statement said: “Governor Lawal’s administration launched a free modified medical outreach program to provide medical assistance to vulnerable individuals in need. The program offers free medical treatment for people suffering from common surgical conditions such as cataracts, hernias, hydroceles, and vesicovaginal fistula repairs.
“Besides medical assistance, the program educates citizens about the importance of maintaining good health and wellness. This initiative is a positive step towards improving the overall health and well-being of the community.
“The Outreach program has so far treated 2,213 persons using tele-screening to provide specialist care to patients from rural and semi-urban areas, covering the 14 local government areas of the State. This approach has enabled patients in remote locations to receive the medical attention they need from qualified professionals.
“The three phases have so far operated cases include 876 Groin Swellings & Lumps/Special, 931 Cataract Extraction/ others, and 84 Vesico – vaginal/rectal fistula (VVF).
“The dedicated centres for the outreach are General Hospital Gusau, King Fahad General Hospital, Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, and all special cases would be referred to the Federal Medical Centre in Gusau.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor February 29, 2024
GOV. DAUDA LAWAL COMMISSIONS ROAD CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION OF GENERAL HOSPITAL IN BUKKUYUM LGA, DISTRIBUTES FARM INPUTS TO FARMERS
Governor Dauda Lawal has flagged off the construction of a road project and reconstruction of the General Hospital in Bukkuyum local government.
The governor was in Bukkuyum LGA on Tuesday to distribute agricultural assets and vital farm inputs to farmers for the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus under the auspices of FADAMA III.
A statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the road construction starting from Mallawama junction will cover 13.4 kilometres in the Bukkuyum local government area.
He added that the General Hospital at Nasarawa Burkullu in the Bukkuyum Local Government Area will undergo significant renovation and upgrades to improve healthcare services.
In his speech at the flag-off, Governor Dauda Lawal disclosed that the 19.2 km road construction would cover the Mallamawa-Zarummai-Bukkuyum and Bukkuyum-Birnin Zauma-Gummi Road.
“On behalf of the state government, I am pleased to commission this road project. This project fulfils our campaign promises to the people of Zamfara, and I am committed to delivering on them.
“Our goal is to bring all the dividends of democracy to the people of Zamfara, and this project is just one of the many ways we plan to improve their lives.
“We have already mobilised the contractors to start work, and we are confident that this commissioning will result in tremendous changes for the people of Bukkuyum.
“I urge everyone to give the contractors maximum cooperation in discharging their duty.”
During the flag-off of the distribution of agricultural assets in the Bukkuyum LGA, Governor Dauda Lawal called on beneficiaries of the farm inputs to make the best use of the opportunity to improve their production and uplift their living conditions.
“The distribution of the stimulus package signifies a crucial step in our endeavours to counter the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“By going around selected local government areas across the state’s three senatorial zones, we intend to enhance awareness concerning the stimulus being rolled out to encourage beneficiaries to use it judiciously.
“This component of the COVID-19 stimulus programme is centrally focused on agriculture, acknowledging its pivotal role in the state’s economy, which is predominantly agrarian. Over 80% of the population is engaged in one form of agricultural production. Under this stimulus package, over 100,000 farmers across the 14 Local Government Areas would be empowered with essential farming equipment and seeds over the coming four years.”
Flagging off the renovation and upgrade of the General Hospital Nasarawa Burkullu, Governor Lawal restated that the hospital would also be well-equipped with medical facilities.
“The renovation will involve refurbishing existing facilities, constructing new buildings, and installing state-of-the-art medical equipment. These upgrades will improve the hospital’s capacity to handle more patients and enhance its ability to provide specialised medical procedures.”
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor February 06, 2024
GOVERNOR LAWAL FLAGS OFF RENOVATION OF GENERAL HOSPITAL ANKA, PLEDGES TO ENHANCE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN ZAMFARA
Governor Dauda Lawal has pledged to improve healthcare delivery in Zamfara State.
On Saturday, the governor laid the foundation for the rehabilitation and renovation of the General Hospital Anka LGA.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the General Hospital in Anka will be renovated to improve healthcare accessibility for the people.
He added that the governor was in the local government a few months ago, where he inspected the Anka General Hospital and identified areas of improvement.
He said: “Today, Governor Dauda Lawal flagged off the renovation of Anka General Hospital as part of his administration’s commitment to bring sanity to the health sector in the state.
“The state government will renovate and fully equip the General hospitals in all the local government areas of Zamfara state.
In his remark, Governor Lawal reiterated that he promised to rehabilitate the General Hospital Anka, and the flag-off ceremony fulfilled the promise.
“As attested by the hospital’s Medical Director, the funds for the renovation and equipment are secure. The project will be completed without any hindrance, God willing.
“We are making progress in the fight against insecurity and will continue to explore new ways to improve the lives of our people. This is just the beginning.
SULAIMAN BALA IDRIS Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Zamfara Governor January 06, 2024
The Zamfara State Government has completed the second phase of its free modified medical outreach program.
The first phase of the Special Modified Medical Outreach Program began in August, providing free medical services to individuals with cataract extraction, groin swellings such as hernias and hydroceles, vesicovaginal fistula repairs, and health education.
A statement by the Spokesperson of Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that 1,858 medical cases were treated successfully during the first and second phases of the free outreach.
According to him, the outreach’s second phase lasted from the end of November to the first week of December.
He said: “Governor Dauda Lawal initiated the ongoing modified medical outreach to address prevalent surgical problems in Zamfara, including cataract extraction, groin swellings (hernias, hydroceles), vesicovaginal fistula repairs (VVF), and health education.
“The Special Medical Outreach program, led by Professor A. I. Mungadi and staffed by trained medical experts, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully operating on 1,858 cases.
“The operated cases include 747 groin swellings, 246 Groin Swellings & Lumps/Special, 781 Cataract Extraction/ others, and 84 Vesico – vaginal/rectal fistula (VVF).
“The program uses tele-screening to provide specialist care to patients from rural and semi-urban areas, covering the 14 local government areas of the State. This approach has enabled patients in remote locations to receive the medical attention they need from qualified professionals.
“With this program, the Zamfara State government aims to enhance people’s overall health and well-being, decrease mortality rates, and foster a healthier society.”
ZAMFARA GOV’T CONCLUDES SECOND PHASE OF FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH
The Zamfara State Government has completed the second phase of its free modified medical outreach program.
The first phase of the Special Modified Medical Outreach Program began in August, providing free medical services to individuals with cataract extraction, groin swellings such as hernias and hydroceles, vesicovaginal fistula repairs, and health education.
A statement by the Spokesperson of Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that 1,858 medical cases were treated successfully during the first and second phases of the free outreach.
According to him, the outreach’s second phase lasted from the end of November to the first week of December.
He said: “Governor Dauda Lawal initiated the ongoing modified medical outreach to address prevalent surgical problems in Zamfara, including cataract extraction, groin swellings (hernias, hydroceles), vesicovaginal fistula repairs (VVF), and health education.
“The Special Medical Outreach program, led by Professor A. I. Mungadi and staffed by trained medical experts, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully operating on 1,858 cases.
“The operated cases include 747 groin swellings, 246 Groin Swellings & Lumps/Special, 781 Cataract Extraction/ others, and 84 Vesico – vaginal/rectal fistula (VVF).
“The program uses tele-screening to provide specialist care to patients from rural and semi-urban areas, covering the 14 local government areas of the State. This approach has enabled patients in remote locations to receive the medical attention they need from qualified professionals.
“With this program, the Zamfara State government aims to enhance people’s overall health and well-being, decrease mortality rates, and foster a healthier society.”
Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare in Zamfara State.
Governor Lawal paid an unscheduled visit to Anka General Hospital on Friday.
A statement by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that the unscheduled visit to Anka General Hospital showed a commitment to ensuring that healthcare facilities are operating at their best.
He added that the governor inspected the hospital facilities and visited cholera patients.
The statement said: “In Anka local government, Governor Lawal visited the General Hospital for an assessment of the condition of the hospital where he promised to provide the necessary resources to upgrade the hospital and equip the medical staff with the essential tools and equipment to deliver top-notch healthcare services.
“The Governor reaffirmed his determination to enhance the overall health and well-being of the people of Zamfara by ensuring they have easy and economic access to top-quality healthcare services.
“Furthermore, Governor Lawal took the opportunity to personally pay his respects to the Sarkin Zamfaran Anka, the Emir of Anka, His Royal Highness Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, who is recovering from injuries sustained during a fire in his residence. The Governor expressed his sympathy and wished the Emir a speedy recovery.”
