Federal House Committee praises health sector reforms in Kaduna State

The Chairman of the House Committee on Health Care Services, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, has commended the steadfast dedication of Kaduna State’s Executive Governor, Senator Uba Sani, in implementing transformative reforms in the health sector.

During an oversight visit, Hon. Magaji congratulated Kaduna on achieving the top spot nationwide in Primary Health Care Service delivery last year and for its ambitious plan to hire 1,000 health workers. He also acknowledged that Kaduna has surpassed the Abuja Declaration standard by dedicating 16.2% of its annual budget to health initiatives. He assured that the National Assembly will continue to support progressive health policies, mobilize resources, and champion efforts to enhance primary healthcare services throughout Nigeria.

While receiving the Committee at the Ministry of Health Headquarters, the Health Commissioner, Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed, explained how the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) has greatly improved access to healthcare via the State Primary Health Care Board, the Contributory Health Management Authority, and the Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services. She reported that over 255 facilities now receive direct funding, more than 91,000 poor and vulnerable residents benefit from financial protection, and Kaduna is gearing up to fully implement emergency medical services.

The Commissioner also highlighted significant achievements under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, such as the revitalization of over 300 Primary Health Centres, the recruitment of 1,800 healthcare workers, the expansion of maternal and child health programs, the adoption of digital health solutions, and attracting considerable support from development partners. She reiterated Kaduna’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainability in managing the BHCPF and expressed that collaboration with the National Assembly will further expedite progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

In a following meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarebe expressed gratitude for the Committee’s commitment to enhancing healthcare nationwide and urged them to focus on initiatives in remote and security-compromised areas. She reiterated Governor Uba Sani’s ongoing endorsement of policies and investments that prioritize health in Kaduna’s development strategy.

This high-level interaction, along with the earlier meeting at the Ministry of Health, included the presence of key officials, such as the Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Prof. Ayuba Bello; Chairman of the Kaduna State House Committee on Health, Hon. Haruna Barnabas; Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Prof. Jamo Bello; and other senior government representatives.

Through these significant investments and reforms, Kaduna State is not only fortifying its health system but is also positioning itself as a national exemplar of innovation, accountability, and effectiveness in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.