Recent data retrieved from health facilities in Jigawa State reveals that a staggering 75 per cent of disease burden and fatalities can be effectively addressed at the primary health care level, according to Comrade Isah Mustapha, the Executive Director of the Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotion Initiative (ELIP).
Mustapha made this assertion during a one-day interactive session held with the newly appointed Special Advisers and Assistants on health to the Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar Namadi. The session was organized by the Jigawa Maternal Accountability Forum (JIMAF).
He highlighted, “Jigawa State Government allocated a sum of ₦163 billion for the Health sector between 2015 and 2022, of which only N112 billion was disbursed.” Mustapha further revealed that approximately N65 billion was utilised for salaries and allowances, while ₦46 billion was allocated to capital projects.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the primary health sector received inadequate attention, with the lion’s share of the funds directed towards the secondary and tertiary sectors. “By giving more priority to primary healthcare, we could avert 75% of the fatalities,” he emphasized.
Mustapha stressed the imperative need for a paradigm shift in the health policy and expenditure of the Jigawa state Government, advocating for greater emphasis on the primary health sector to accomplish the predetermined objectives. “A comprehensive approach should be adopted towards strengthening the primary healthcare sector to overcome the challenges and make essential healthcare services more accessible and affordable for all,” he added.
Alhaji Isiyaku Sabo, the Special Adviser to the governor on Health, assured that concerted efforts would be made to enhance the delivery of public healthcare services.
