* Katsina Records Major Progress in Local Postgraduate Medical Training – HSMB GM
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has received the accreditation team of the West African College of Surgeons, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing medical education in the state.
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Katsina, following a successful accreditation exercise conducted at the West African College of Surgeons postgraduate training programme held at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternal and Children’s Hospital, one of the state’s key specialist health facilities.
A statement signed by Ibrahim kaula Mohammad chief press secretary to the Governor said the accreditation exercise forms part of postgraduate medical training aimed at producing specialist doctors (consultants), which represents the highest level of clinical medical practice in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.
While introducing the team, the General Manager of the State Health Management Board Dr Muhammad Nazir Shehu explained that Katsina State has been involved in training undergraduate medical doctors since 1994 through structured sponsorship and bonding arrangements.
He noted that after obtaining their MBBS degrees, doctors proceed for internship, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and other post-service requirements before being deployed to serve the state.
According to him, the state had previously sponsored doctors for postgraduate training in institutions such as Kano, Zaria, Sokoto, and Jos, with programmes lasting between six and seven years, after which they return as consultants to serve in the state health system.
He further explained that while the arrangement contributed to producing consultants, it also led to a shortage of medical officers locally, prompting the government to adopt a strategic shift toward establishing in-state postgraduate medical training.
“Over time, we succeeded in producing a good number of consultants, but we also began to experience a shortage of medical officers due to prolonged external training. This made it necessary to establish local postgraduate training within Katsina State,” he said.
He further revealed that despite over 15 years of efforts to secure accreditation, significant progress was only achieved under the administration of Governor Radda within the last three years.
“With the support of His Excellency, we started with one department—Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Today, we have six accredited departments for postgraduate training across state-owned facilities within just three years,” he added.
The facilities involved include the General Hospital Katsina, the General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital Katsina, and the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternal and Children’s Hospital.
The accreditation team led by Professor Patrick Haruna Daru, Head of Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the College expressed satisfaction with the level of transformation recorded, particularly within the last two years.
“We were highly impressed with what we saw. The transformation is remarkable, and we commend His Excellency for his commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and services,” Daru stated.
They further noted that full accreditation would enable Katsina State to begin training its own consultants locally within the next five years, thereby reducing dependence on external institutions for residency training.
Responding, Governor Radda expressed appreciation for the positive assessment, noting that it reflects the impact of deliberate government investment in the health sector.
“I am pleased that you are satisfied with what you have seen. Your encouraging feedback is a clear indication that our efforts are yielding results,” the Governor said.
He reaffirmed that healthcare remains a top priority of his administration, adding that government would continue to expand investments to ensure access to quality and affordable healthcare services, particularly for ordinary citizens.
“Healthcare remains a key priority of this administration. We will continue to expand these reforms to ensure that our people, especially the common man, have access to standard and high-quality healthcare services,” he added.
Governor Radda also emphasized the importance of dedication, discipline, and professionalism among healthcare workers, urging them to reciprocate government investments—especially in human resource development—through efficient and quality service delivery.
“We will continue to provide the necessary tools, a conducive environment, and motivation required for you to consistently deliver at the highest standards,” he stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu, commended healthcare workers across the state for their tireless efforts in maintaining round-the-clock service delivery in line with professional standards.
He also appreciated the Governor’s sustained support, noting that it has significantly contributed to the progress recorded in the health sector.
In his remarks, Dr. Muhammad Nazir Shehu described the success in postgraduate medical training as a direct outcome of Governor Radda’s leadership and commitment to health sector reforms.
“This initiative had been pursued for over 15 years without success, but within just three years of this administration, Katsina State has successfully brought six departments on board for specialist training within state-owned facilities,” he said.
He described the development as a major milestone in strengthening local capacity and improving specialist healthcare delivery in the state.
The visit was attended by the Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale; senior government officials; and members of the West African College of Surgeons delegation.
