The Niger State Government has initiated a significant healthcare transformation by elevating 270 out of 1,800 Primary Healthcare centers to model focal institutions. This move aims to enhance accessibility to healthcare services across the 25 local government areas.
During a stakeholders meeting with Directors of Health in the state’s 25 Local Government areas in Minna, the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, announced the upgrade. This initiative follows the transition of the State Primary Healthcare Agency, SPC, into a full-fledged Ministry by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Dr. Dangana emphasized, “Out of the existing 1,800 Primary Health Care facilities in the State, the Niger state government is partnering with development partners, and about 270 of such facilities are being upgraded to focal centers to serve as model pilot schemes in the state.”
In a further boost to the healthcare sector, the state government has approved the release of N300 million to be disbursed to the 274 wards of the 25 LGs’ primary health directorate. This allocation is intended for the immediate purchase of health consumables and other logistics to ensure smooth operations.
Dr. Dangana also revealed ongoing efforts to conduct a baseline study surveying all existing Primary Healthcare centers across the state. The survey aims to assess areas of need, staffing, and equipment to optimize service delivery for the people of the state.
