…Baitulmaal pledges stronger partnership, says more consignments and development programmes are coming
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Saturday flagged off the distribution of multimillion naira medical supplies and equipment to General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres across Katsina State.
The supplies include two containers of medical consumables donated by Baitulmaal valued at about $1.5million and hospital equipment provided through the Sector-Wide Approach, SWAP, Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare valued at approximately $200,000.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor said the ceremony held at the Salihu Malle Central Medical Stores in Katsina is part of the administration’s effort to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality services for residents.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda expressed appreciation to Baitulmaal for its continued support to Katsina State.
“This is not the first time Baitulmaal has supported our state. We sincerely appreciate this continued partnership and commitment to improving the lives of our people,” the Governor said.
He also acknowledged challenges in clearing and transporting the donated supplies, and commended all those who helped resolve them. He particularly appreciated former Special Adviser and clearing agent, Umar Dangi, and others who played key roles.
On the SWAP intervention, Governor Radda commended the Ministry of Health and relevant institutions for ensuring Katsina met the required budget performance and health-sector reform conditions to benefit from the programme.
He directed all beneficiary health facilities to ensure proper utilisation, maintenance and protection of the equipment and consumables.
“This support is not for individuals. It is support given to the government to enable us better serve vulnerable people who come to our hospitals and health facilities in search of care,” he said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, described the intervention as another milestone in the state’s health-sector reforms.
“We consider Your Excellency both a reformer and a performer. Your commitment to collaboration, teamwork and effective stewardship is evident in the transformation taking place across our health facilities,” Funtua said.
He added that the SWAP support was secured through the state’s compliance with national health-sector requirements and assured that the Ministry would ensure effective utilisation of the items.
The Executive Secretary of the Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency, DMSA, Pharmacist Fatima Shuaibu, said the intervention showed the value of government-development partner collaboration.
“The consumables and equipment being distributed will support service delivery in our General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres and assist healthcare workers in providing quality care to patients,” she said.
Dr. Shuaibu also disclosed that the state government has released ₦115 million under the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria, ANRiN, Project to procure commodities for reducing malnutrition among children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
She recalled previous interventions through Project CARE and World Medical Relief which provided over 10,000 hospital equipment items.
In his remarks, Baitulmaal Leader, Dr. Ahmed Ali Khalil, said the organisation is committed to building a stronger partnership with Katsina State.
“This is only the beginning. We hope to bring more containers and expand our programmes in Katsina State,” Dr. Khalil said. He added that the partnership will go beyond medical supplies to include other development programmes.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe; Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; members of the State Executive Council; Special Advisers; heads of health agencies and institutions; development partners and other stakeholders.
