Kebbi Government Approves N4.05 Billion Rehabilitation for Seven General Hospitals, Boosts Healthcare and Development Initiatives

The Kebbi State Executive Council has approved the rehabilitation of seven general hospitals across the state at a total cost of N4.05 billion.

State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Junaidu Marshall, announced this to journalists after Wednesday’s council meeting in Birnin Kebbi, which was presided over by Governor Nasir Idris.

Marshall stated that the approval reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and ensuring hospitals are well-equipped to serve the population. The hospitals slated for rehabilitation include Kambaza, Suru, Kamba, Dirin-Daji, Kangiwa, Koko, and Yauri General Hospitals.

He added that Argungu General Hospital has already been rehabilitated and fitted with modern facilities. Other hospitals, including those in Zaga, Zuru, Bunza, Gulma, Bena, Jega, Shanga, and Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, are either completed or currently undergoing rehabilitation. In total, 16 general hospitals have been rehabilitated so far, with the seven newly approved ones bringing the total closer to the state government’s goal of upgrading all 30 hospitals before the end of Governor Idris’ tenure.

Additionally, the council approved N570 million for the Kebbi Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KECHEMA) to register 45,000 vulnerable individuals under the State Social Register, ensuring that each of the 225 wards registers at least 200 persons. This initiative is expected to enhance access to affordable healthcare for the poor.

Under the World Bank IMPACT project, Kebbi State has already funded the rehabilitation of 73 primary healthcare centers, and the council approved the upgrade of an additional 42 centers to meet national standards. Furthermore, N407.5 million was approved as a take-off grant for the Kebbi State Drugs, Medical, and Consumable Agency to ensure the availability of subsidized drugs.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abba Sani-Kalgo, disclosed that the council also approved the establishment of the Kebbi State Bureau of Statistics, backed by a N900 million take-off grant. Prof. Umar Usman has been appointed as the state’s Statistician-General to oversee credible data collection for planning and development monitoring.

In agriculture, the council sanctioned the procurement of 2,000 power tillers at N3 billion under the Kaura Development Agenda (KADAGE) to boost farming activities. In education, N1.4 billion was approved for the purchase of school furniture to improve learning conditions across the state.

Marshall called on residents to support these initiatives, emphasizing the government’s dedication to improving living standards and overall development in Kebbi State.