Nigeria: Yakowa Reiterates Commitment to Health Sector

Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, yesterday flagged off the distribution of drugs medical supplies, hospital furniture and basic delivery delivery equipment procured as part of the state government's commitment to move the health sector of the state forward.

Speaking at the flag-off the governor said the medicaments and equipment were procured under the 2009 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Conditional Grant Scheme

Yakowa said, "As we are all aware, the MDGs are a set of 8-agenda inter-dependent goals that were formulated in 2000 to achieve specific results by the year 2015. The MDGs are mainly aimed at reducing Poverty, Maternal and Child Mortality, ensuring access to Basic Education, Women Empowerment, combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases, as well as ensure access to potable water and protection of the environment, amongst others.

"ln these goals, the health sector is central, as three out of the eight goals are specific to health and the remaining are connected in one way or the other, as they relate to the socio-economic well-being of the people.

"I wish to assure you that this government is still committed to the provision of improved, qualitative and comprehensive health care services to the people of Kaduna State. This is evidenced by the numerous programs already put in place which include, among others, the Free Maternal and Child Health (FMCH) Programme, (meant for pregnant Women and Children), the War Against Malaria, and the Sustainable Drug Supply System (SDSS). These Programs are all geared towards achieving quality health services that are in line with the MDGs."

Reiterating his government's commitment to the revitalization of the health sector, the governor said, "It is pertinent at this point, to draw the attention of the good people of Kaduna State and particularly the beneficiaries of these services to the fact that government has spent huge sums of money to procure these items to meet their health needs.

"While urging you to make maximum use of the facilities for your benefit, I wish to state clearly that government would be happier to see all stakeholders join hands to enhance the provision of qualitative health care to its citizens. All hands must therefore be on deck to ensure the safety and proper utilization of these equipments.

"Indeed, any individual or group found to be misusing or diverting these items would be sanctioned appropriately. In view of the above, I hereby charge the chairmen of all the 23 Local government areas, Traditional, Community and Religious leaders and indeed the wider society to understand that these services are meant for people of Kaduna State and therefore we should also be 'watchdogs' on these equipments to ensure that they are safe and judiciously used. Any observed misuse should be reported to appropriate authorities for necessary action.

At this juncture, I pray that our collective efforts will not only assist in improving Health Care Delivery in the state but would also assist generally in the maintenance of Peace and Security for the development of our state."

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