By: John Bassey, Zamfara.
Health sector in Zamfara state has experienced major transformation under the able leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Health Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, marked by sweeping reforms aimed at improving access to care and upgrading facilities across the state.
Comrade Suleiman Isah, the Public Relations officer of the the ministry of of Health disclosed that, the initiatives are part of Governor Dauda Lawal’s “rescue mission agenda.” for the good people of Zamfara state.
Since assuming duty as a Commissioner, Dr. Maradun has overseen the extensive rehabilitation of health infrastructure. Key projects include the remodeling of Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, the renovation of general hospitals in Gusau, Tsafe, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Nassarawa Burkullu, Anka, Maru, and Gummi.
Additionally, general hospitals in Shinkafi and Talata Mafara have been upgraded to zonal referral centers, while a new maternity complex was built and equipped at King Fahad Hospital.
At the grassroots level, more than 100 primary healthcare centers (PHCs) are being renovated and equipped across all 14 local government areas.
The state has also procured and distributed essential drugs and medical supplies, with the Drugs and Medical Consumables Agency (DMA) now providing more affordable and accessible medicines.
The DMA offices have also been fully renovated and equipped to support these efforts.
A Focus on Patient Centered Care and Staff Welfare, Dr. Maradun is known for her hands on approach, making weekly visits to PHCs where she personally attends to patients, often covering their medical bills and facilitating referrals to secondary hospitals.
She has also coordinated free distribution of drugs during disease outbreaks, including a recent cholera response across all 14 local government areas.
To address a shortage of medical personnel, the ministry has increased salaries for doctors to attract and retain talent. It has also provided permanent employment for 60 volunteer workers at Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital.
Other key achievements under her tenure include, Renovating the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Dambe to serve as the state’s main outbreak response center.
– Providing free Caesarean sections at select general hospitals.
– Enrolling over 28,800 local government staff into the Zamfara State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (ZAMCHEMA) for free medical care.
– Distributing 147 laptops to PHCs to improve health data management.
Expanding Healthcare Access and Accountability reforms have led to significant increase in health insurance enrollment. The number of people enrolled in ZAMCHEMA’s formal and informal sectors has grown from 42,688 to 190,386 between 2023 and 2025.
This has improved access to quality healthcare for both programs, with the number of beneficiaries rising from 23,027 to 127,483. The capitation amount paid per person has also been enhanced from N350 to N500.
The ministry has fostered a culture of accountability and collaboration by harmonizing the activities of agencies and parastatals.
The open door policy and strong relationships with development partners built by Dr. Maradun have encouraged inclusive governance and strengthened service delivery.
This has also led to a partnership with WHO, GAVI-UNICEF to support eight local government areas with low vaccination rates.
The ZAMCHEMA call center has also been strengthened with a toll free line for effective feedback and complaint resolution.
These reforms are already yielding positive results, with observers noting improved health indicators, expanded rural healthcare access, and more effective emergency response systems. Stakeholders believe Dr. Maradun’s contributions will leave a lasting legacy on the state’s health sector.