Kaduna State Government is rehabilitating 17 Primary Healthcare Centres(PHCs) into Centres of Excellence and has distributed standard tricycle ambulances to healthcare facilities to improve emergency referrals in rural and underserved communities.

Secretary to the Kaduna State Government (SSG), Dr Abdulkadir Mu’azu Mayere,  disclosed this on Wednesday at the ground breaking ceremony of the projects.

He noted that the initiatives demonstrates Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to residents irrespective of their location or status.

Mr Meyere also promised that the upgrade would go beyond physical renovation to include infrastructure upgrade, supply of medical equipment and essential medicines and improved service delivery.

“Our objective is clear: when a citizen walks into a government health facility, that citizen should find a functional facility, competent health workers, essential medicines and a system that responds with dignity and respect,” Mr Mayere said.

According to him, primary healthcare is the foundation for human capital development and sustainable economic growth because PHCs are the first point of contact for antenatal care, immunisation, treatment of common illnesses and early detection of diseases.

He said the rehabilitation of the 17 centres of excellence was designed to create stronger healthcare hubs within local government areas, which would support surrounding facilities, improve referrals and clinical quality as well as provide platforms for continuous learning.

Mr Mayere, who is medical doctor, pointed out that the deployment of ambulances would strengthen the emergency referral system and reduce delays in accessing higher-level medical care.

“An ambulance is not simply a vehicle. It is an important link in the continuum of care,” he said.

He added that delays in referrals could have serious consequences in cases involving maternal and new born emergencies, trauma and severe infections.

The SSG however warned that the ambulances must be backed by proper management systems, including clear referral protocols, trained personnel, fuel, maintenance, communication and monitoring arrangements.

According to him, increased access to quality antenatal and maternity services, improved childhood immunisation, faster emergency referrals, availability of essential medicines and greater patient satisfaction will be the indicators to assess the impact of the investments.

Mr Meyere also called on ministries, departments and agencies of government, including local government authorities, facility managers and community structures to ensure accountability in the implementation and management of the projects.

He urged ward development committees and community leaders to protect the facilities and provide feedback to the government, adding that the ground breaking ceremony marked only the beginning of the process. 

“Our vision is not simply to build more facilities. Our vision is to build a health system that people can trust,” he said.

He also commended development partners, the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board and health workers for their contributions in strengthening the state’s healthcare system.