Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
The Gombe State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has handed over selected Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities to contractors for the commencement of revitalisation works across the state.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, said the initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare, noting that PHCs serve as the first point of contact for patients at the community level.
Dr. Dahiru explained that the government is prioritising the upgrade of PHC facilities to meet national Level Two standards. He said the revitalisation would include improved physical structures, staff quarters, reliable water supply, solar-powered electricity and proper landscaping to create a conducive environment for effective healthcare delivery.
He disclosed that UNICEF is supporting the revitalisation of PHC facilities in three local government areas—Akko, Dukku and Kwami—adding that contractors have been fully mobilised to site and given a three-month timeline to complete the projects.
According to the commissioner, the upgraded facilities are expected to significantly improve maternal and child healthcare services, as well as the overall quality of medical care. He noted that particular attention would be given to labour rooms to ensure adequate space for the first and second stages of labour, alongside improved pharmacies and laboratories.
Dr. Dahiru urged communities benefiting from the projects to cooperate with contractors to ensure timely completion and to take ownership of the facilities to guarantee sustainability.
In her remarks, the Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, said the handover marked the commencement of revitalisation projects supported by the Global Fund, aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems.
She stated that UNICEF’s primary objective is to save the lives of mothers and children by improving access to quality healthcare services. Dr. Rafique added that well-equipped facilities with functional water, sanitation and service areas would encourage greater utilisation by community members.
She commended the Gombe State Government for its leadership and commitment to healthcare development, describing the partnership as a shared responsibility. She also assured that UNICEF would closely monitor the projects to ensure quality delivery.
Speaking on behalf of Akko, Dukku and Kwami local government areas, Abubakar Hassan expressed appreciation to the Gombe State Ministry of Health and UNICEF for selecting the councils for the revitalisation exercise. He pledged the full cooperation and support of the local governments to ensure the successful completion of the projects.