Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in the health sector on Tuesday after a surprise visit to Gusau General Hospital.
The governor’s declaration came after his surprise visit to Gusau General Hospital, where he saw an “unhealthy and poor environment” and “ infrastructural decay” for both patients and staff.
“I was shocked and worried by the unhealthy and poor environment that patients seeking medical attention were exposed to,” Lawal stated in a statewide broadcast.
“It is not just the infrastructural decay that is affecting the health sector in Zamfara State, but the working condition of the healthcare service providers and their welfare is also of great concern.”
Lawal lamented that “the disturbing condition” of the healthcare facilities across the state is what prompted the declaration of a state of emergency, stating the government is taking urgent steps towards intervention.
“These issues are paramount to the welfare and progress of our citizens. I am dedicated to addressing them with the utmost urgency and attention they deserve,” he stated.
He cited poor funding, inadequate equipment, and crumbling infrastructure as key factors contributing to the “multiple issues” infesting the state’s healthcare system, noting that “many lives were lost due to this. I am declaring today that we will not continue like this.”
The governor also outlined a comprehensive plan to revamp the healthcare system, focusing on improving the quality of all general hospitals through massive infrastructural development, providing state-of-the-art medical equipment, and establishing standard laboratories for proper diagnosis.
“We will provide free maternal and child healthcare to reduce maternal and child Morbidity and Mortality. We will give special attention to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in providing standard primary healthcare delivery to remote communities.”
He also stated that the government will distribute necessary equipment and essential medicines to all hospitals in the 14 local government areas, strengthen emergency response, and reallocate human resources to the health structure.