The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has approved a dedicated power supply line to the 300-bed capacity hospital located in Millennium City, Kaduna State, in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.
The State Commissioner for Information Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this while receiving members of the International Society of Media in Public Health ISMPH during an advocacy visit to his office.
He explained that with the approval, the facility is set to become one of the first specialized centers of its kind in Nigeria, as it has been equipped to function as a comprehensive cancer treatment centre.
Mallam Maiyaki noted that the direct power supply would ensure uninterrupted electricity critical for advanced diagnostic and treatment services, particularly for cancer care which requires stable energy for equipment such as radiotherapy and imaging machines.
The commissioner further highlighted ongoing efforts by the Kaduna State Government to strengthen the healthcare system through improved funding and infrastructure development. According to him, the state has consistently met and exceeded budgetary commitments to the health sector in line with the Abuja Declaration, ensuring that allocated funds are not only approved but fully released and utilized.
He revealed that significant upgrades have been carried out across primary healthcare centres in the state, with facilities in all 255 wards now enhanced to provide services beyond basic immunization and antenatal care. These centres can now admit patients and treat common illnesses such as malaria, as well as provide obstetric services including cesarean sections.
At the secondary healthcare level, Maiyaki said more than half of the 32 general hospitals across the state have undergone comprehensive upgrades. He emphasized that the government’s approach goes beyond cosmetic improvements, focusing instead on the provision of modern equipment, ambulances, and additional healthcare personnel.
To address manpower shortages, the commissioner disclosed that approval has been granted for the recruitment of 9,000 healthcare workers over a five-year period, with 1,800 already employed and deployed to various facilities across the state.
The commissioner appreciated the advocacy visit with a promise to enhanced collaboration with ISMPH and the Establishment of Public Relations Office in Kaduna State Health Supplies Agency for effective communication and health advocacy solution.
Earlier, Kaduna State Programme Officer of ISMPH, Abdul Bako, said the organization has been supporting the Ministry of Health through capacity-building initiatives for Public Relations Officers (PROs), aimed at enhancing effective communication and health advocacy.
Mallam Bako added that ISMPH has provided training, mentorship, and technical support, including renovation of office space and provision of equipment such as cameras, laptops, and recording devices. He reaffirmed the organization’s willingness to deepen collaboration with the state government to strengthen health communication and governance.
The group also called for the establishment of a Public Relations unit within the State Health Supplies Agency, increased funding for capacity-building programmes, and stronger partnerships to promote transparency and accountability in the health sector.
Cov/Shindong Bala
