House of Representatives Committee on Health Care Services has commended Jigawa State for championing universal health coverage through major reforms and sustained investment in the sector.
The commendation was made when the committee, led by its chairman, Honorable Amos Gwamna Magaji, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House, Dutse.
Honorable Magaji expressed satisfaction with Jigawa’s achievements, particularly its dedication of over 15 percent of the state’s annual budget to healthcare.
He noted that the allocation was not only on paper but had been effectively utilized to transform the health sector in the state.
The committee chairman also congratulated Governor Namadi for Jigawa’s victory in the 500,000-dollar Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Award.
He described the award as proof of the state’s growing reputation in health sector reforms.
Honorable Magaji further applauded Jigawa’s decision to harmonize the salaries of health workers with federal scales.
According to him, the move will discourage medical professionals from leaving the country and could even attract workers from other states.
Responding, Governor Namadi thanked the lawmakers for recognizing Jigawa’s progress in health delivery.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making health the foundation of socio-economic development.
Governor Namadi emphasized that education, economic growth, and productivity can only thrive in a healthy society.
He disclosed that his administration had prioritized primary healthcare as the cornerstone of service delivery, alongside plans to establish a medical village with a diagnostic centre, cardiac centre, and oxygen plant.
The governor assured the visiting committee of his determination to sustain reforms and work closely with the National Assembly to achieve universal health coverage in Jigawa State.
Usman MZ
