Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has assured residents that all 361 political wards in the state will have functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) operating 24 hours daily by 2026, supported with ambulances and essential diagnostic equipment.
The assurance was given on Monday during an inspection of the tricycle ambulance assembly project at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Katsina. The update was contained in a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.
According to the press release, Governor Radda has approved the procurement of 15 fully equipped conventional ambulances to strengthen emergency response services across the state, particularly along major highways.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda
The Governor disclosed that 102 tricycle ambulances have already been completed, while work is ongoing on the remaining units, noting that the project is progressing steadily toward full completion.
“We made a promise that every ward will benefit from this programme, and I am pleased with the steady progress recorded so far,” Governor Radda said.
He explained that the tricycle ambulances are designed to serve as referral vehicles, evacuating patients from primary health centres to secondary healthcare facilities, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Each tricycle ambulance, he added, is fitted with oxygen cylinders, patient beds and essential first-aid kits to support emergency medical services.
Governor Radda further announced that the newly approved 15 conventional ambulances will be strategically stationed along major roads to respond swiftly to road accidents and other emergencies.
“With a simple call, an ambulance should arrive within five to ten minutes to evacuate victims to the nearest hospital,” he said, stressing that the state is investing in high-quality, well-equipped ambulances to save lives and reduce pressure on secondary and tertiary health institutions.
The Governor also revealed that the state government is currently recruiting health personnel to address manpower gaps and support the planned 24-hour operations at primary healthcare centres.
“You cannot run a 24-hour health facility without adequate manpower. That is why recruitment is ongoing,” he stated.
Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, Governor Radda emphasized that health, education and agriculture remain the top priorities of his government, describing healthcare as fundamental to productivity and sustainable development.
He commended the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for its commitment to the project and appreciated the support of local government officials.
The inspection team included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Bashir Tanimu Gambo; Special Adviser on Local Government Inspectorate, Hon. Lawal Rufa’i Safana; Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Usman Abba Jaye; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and other senior government officials.
