Concerned about the deplorable state of hospitals in Zamfara State, Governor Dauda Lawal has declared a state of emergency in the health sector.
He stated this in a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday after paying an unscheduled visit to the Gusau General Hospital.
The governor explained that the move was meant to revamp the state’s ailing healthcare system.
”On Jan, 28, I made an unscheduled visit to General Hospital in Gusau to assess its condition. I was shocked and worried by the unhealthy and poor environment that patients seeking medical attention were exposed to.
“It is not just the infrastructure decay but the working conditions of the healthcare service providers and their welfare is also of great concern.
“The disturbing condition of the healthcare facilities across the state is what prompted the action to declare a state of emergency in the health sector.
“As a responsible government, we are taking urgent steps towards intervention,” he said.
The governor said that he was dedicated to addressing the challenges in the sector with the utmost urgency and the attention they deserve.
Lawal said, “We will improve the quality of all general hospitals through massive infrastructural development, providing state-of-the-art medical equipment, and establishing standard laboratories for proper diagnosis.
“We will provide free healthcare to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality.
“We will give special attention to Primary Health Centres in providing standard primary healthcare delivery to remote communities.
“We will develop a plan to enhance the well-being and welfare of all healthcare service providers in the state.
“My administration will establish an affordable and comprehensive health insurance scheme and provide access to quality healthcare services for all citizens of Zamfara State.
“We will distribute the necessary equipment and essential medicines to all hospitals across the 14 local government areas,” the governor promised.
He further said his administration would perform a mandatory physical verification of all hospital staff, including casual workers, while the state health commissioner would establish a proper channel of external supervision of staff on duty.
“We will improve the ongoing Special Modified Medical Outreach, strengthen the emergency response and reposition the human resources for health structure,” Lawal said.
NAN
