Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has flagged off the distribution of medical supplies and equipment worth about $1.7 million to General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
The consignment comprises two containers of medical consumables donated by Baitulmaal and valued at about $1.5 million, as well as hospital equipment worth approximately $200,000 provided through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) programme.
The distribution was flagged off on Saturday at the Salihu Malle Central Medical Stores in Katsina as part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Radda expressed appreciation to Baitulmaal for its continued support to Katsina, saying the latest intervention demonstrated the importance of partnerships in improving healthcare outcomes.
“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,” he said.
The Governor also acknowledged the challenges encountered in clearing and transporting the donated supplies and commended individuals who contributed to resolving them, particularly former Special Adviser and clearing agent, Umar Dangi.
On the SWAP intervention, Radda commended the Ministry of Health and other relevant institutions for ensuring that Katsina met the required budget performance and health-sector reform conditions to qualify for the support.
He directed 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,” the Governor said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, described the intervention as another milestone in the state’s ongoing health-sector reforms.
Funtua commended the Governor’s commitment to collaboration and effective stewardship, saying the impact was evident in the transformation taking place across the state’s health facilities.
He assured that the Ministry of Health would ensure effective utilisation of the supplies and equipment.
The Executive Secretary of the Drugs and Medical Supplies Agency (DMSA), Pharmacist Fatima Shuaibu, said the intervention demonstrated the value of collaboration between government and development partners.
She said the medical consumables and equipment would strengthen service delivery at General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres and assist healthcare workers in providing quality care to patients.
Shuaibu also disclosed that the state government had released ₦115 million under the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Project to procure commodities aimed at reducing malnutrition among children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
She recalled that previous interventions through Project CARE and World Medical Relief had provided more than 10,000 items of hospital equipment to the state.
Meanwhile, Baitulmaal Leader, Dr. Ahmed Ali Khalil, pledged a stronger partnership with the Katsina State Government, promising additional consignments and wider development programmes.
“This is only the beginning. We hope to bring more containers and expand our programmes in Katsina State,” Khalil said.
He added that the organisation’s partnership with the state would extend beyond medical supplies to other areas of development.
The event was attended by 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.
