The Kano State Government has approved the upgrade of five Primary Healthcare Centres, PHCs, to General Hospitals as part of efforts to expand access to secondary healthcare services across the state.
The facilities approved for the upgrade are Garun Malam, Kumbotso, Ghari, Garko and Kachako Primary Healthcare Centres.
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The state government said the decision, approved under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is aimed at bringing quality and comprehensive medical services closer to residents, particularly those in underserved communities.
The upgrade is also expected to reduce pressure on existing general and specialist hospitals, improve referral pathways and strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.
Following the approval, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, has constituted a team to commence arrangements for the takeover and transition of the five facilities.
The team will conduct comprehensive assessments of the affected health centres, including their infrastructure, human resources, medical equipment and other requirements needed for their effective conversion to General Hospitals.
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It will also identify gaps in the facilities and make recommendations on additional resources required for the smooth commencement of operations.
The Hospitals Management Board is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the state government for immediate action.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, and the Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for approving the upgrade.
They described the decision as another milestone in ongoing efforts to reposition the state’s healthcare system and ensure residents have access to timely, affordable and quality healthcare services closer to their communities.
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The Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure the immediate and effective implementation of the approved upgrade.
The government said the intervention would have a far-reaching impact on healthcare access and the wellbeing of residents in Garun Malam, Kumbotso, Ghari, Garko and Kachako Local Government Areas.