Katsina Governor Spends N3.77 Billion to Boost Healthcare Sector, Commissions New Sickle Cell Centre

• The event was organised by the Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative, a non-governmental organisation founded by the state’s First Lady, Zulaihat Dikko Radda
  

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The Katsina State Government has spent N3.77 billion on healthcare improvements from June 2023 to April 2024, Governor Dikko Radda announced on Monday.

This investment, part of the administration’s plan to reposition the health sector, includes funds allocated for scholarships, infrastructure upgrades, and allowances for medical students.

Governor Radda disclosed these details during the commissioning of a new sickle cell centre and the distribution of free drugs for sickle cell and malaria at the Katsina General Hospital. The event was organised by the Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative, a non-governmental organisation founded by the state’s First Lady, Zulaihat Dikko Radda.

Radda explained that the funds have been used to upgrade 102 primary healthcare centres, with plans to convert 34 more into general hospitals by the end of the year. Additionally, N112 million has been allocated for allowances for 542 medical students studying within and outside Nigeria.

“The government has also sponsored foreign scholarships for medical students and those in residency programmes,” he said, adding that healthcare funding had increased by 800 percent.

The governor urged couples to undergo medical tests before marriage to reduce the incidence of sickle cell disease. He praised the First Lady’s initiative, which provides free medication to children living with sickle cell and malaria, saying it complements the state’s healthcare efforts.

Zulaihat Dikko Radda noted that the new sickle cell centre will ensure regular drug distribution and quality healthcare services for residents. The NGO has so far registered 9,000 children and women living with sickle cell and aims to expand the programme across the state’s three senatorial zones.