Kebbi Gov’t approves N4.05bn for rehabilitation of seven general hospitals, other
By: John Bassey, Kebbi.
In an effort to enhance the healthcare delivery services in Kebbi State, the State Executive Council (SEC) has approved the sum of N4.05 billion for the rehabilitation of seven General Hospitals across the state.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Junaidu Marshall, made the disclosure during a joint press briefing shortly after the council’s meeting presided over by Gov. Nasir Idris on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi.
“Today, the council deliberated and approved the sum of N4.05bn for the rehabilitation of even general hospitals across the state.
“The approval is part of the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that hospitals are adequately equipped to serve the people.
“These hospitals are located in; Kambaza, Suru, Kamba, Dirin-Daji, Kangiwa, Koko and Yauri.
“In addition to these, the Argungu General Hospital has already been rehabilitated and equipped, while other hospitals in Zaga, Zuru, Bunza, Gulma, Bena, Jega, Shanga, and Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi are either completed or undergoing rehabilitation,” he said.
According to him, a total of 16 general hospitals have been rehabilitated with the new approval of the seven hospitals under the administration of Gov. Idris.
Marshall said the governor had assured that before the end of his tenure, all 30 general hospitals in the state would be rehabilitated and adequately equipped.
The attorney-general also announced that the council had approved the release of N570 million to the Kebbi State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KECHEMA) for the registration of 45,000 vulnerable persons under the State Social Register.
“This means that each of the 225 wards in the state will register at least 200 vulnerable individuals.
“The effort will go a long way in advancing KECHEMA’s mandate of providing affordable healthcare for the poor,” he said.
Marshall further disclosed that under the World Bank IMPACT project, the state had provided its counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of 73 primary healthcare centres across the state.
“To complement that effort, the council has also approved the rehabilitation of an additional 42 primary healthcare centres across the local government areas in line with national standards,” he said.
The council, he said, also approved N407.5 million as take-off grant for the Kebbi State Drugs, Medical and Consumable Agency, aimed at ensuring the availability of subsidised drugs in the state.
Marshall appealed for the support and understanding of the people, assuring that the government remained committed to improving their living standards.
On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Mu’azu, said the council had approved the procurement of 2,000 power tillers at the cost of N3 billion under the Kaura Development Agenda (KADAGE) to boost agricultural activities.
“You are all aware that His Excellency, at the beginning of his administration launched his development agenda: Kaura Development Agenda (KADAGE).
“The main objective of the agenda is to boost agricultural activities by engaging the youths to partake in the real agricultural practice as well as agribusiness.
“In line with this, today the council has approved the sum of N3 billion for the procurement of 2,000 power tillers for our farmers across the state,” the commissioner said.
