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Government Engages 440 Health Workers To Boost Maternal, Child Healthcare In Gombe

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Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Government Engages 440 Health Workers To Boost Maternal, Child Healthcare In Gombe

Government engages 440 health workers to boost maternal, child healthcare in Gombe . The UNICEF official said that 24,874 vulnerable women and children had been enrolled in the health insurance scheme.

The Gombe state government has engaged 440 health personnel to enhance access to quality maternal and child health services.

The workers were trained and deployed to primary health facilities in 114 wards under a healthcare intervention programme funded by GAVI and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the last three years.

Nuzhat Rafique, chief of UNICEF field office, Bauchi, said this during the close-out of the programme on Friday in Gombe.

She said the measure was to ensure athe vailability of at least two skilled health workers to support maternal and newborn services at the grassroots.

Ms Rafique said the intervention significantly improved maternal and child health outcomes and strengthened PHC systems and routine immunisation services in the state.

She said the partnership also provided 11 cold stores, renovated five PHC centres, distributed two vehicles, 40 motorcycles, and 140 cold chain equipment to ensure improved access to potent vaccines.

The UNICEF official said that 24,874 vulnerable women and children had been enrolled in the health insurance scheme in the four priority zero-dose local government areas.

“Percentage of pregnant women supported at birth by a skilled health worker increased from 21.1 to 37.9 per cent between 2018 and 2024, with an 80 per cent increase.

“Percentage of women with postnatal checks during the first two days after birth increased from 25.1 to 44.9 per cent between 2018 and 2024, representing a 79 per cent increase.

“Children vaccinated with pental -1 increased from 37.3 to 66.0 per cent between 2018 and 2024, with a 77 per cent increase.
“Children fully immunised, all basic vaccinations, increased from 18.2 to 49.2 per cent between 2018 and 2024, representing a 170 per cent increase,” she said.

Ms Rafique further said that the partnership supported the development of the 2025 Gombe State Health Sector Annual Operational Plan (AOP), to serve as the instrument for sustainability of the programme.

She, therefore, advocated proactive measures to ensure sustainability of the programme through the prompt release of counterpart funds to facilitate effective implementation.

Ms Rafique commended the state government, traditional leaders and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the programme.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya lauded the GAVI/State-funded Primary Healthcare initiative in the state.

Represented by Ibrahim Njodi, the secretary to the state government, Mr Yahaya said the state had utilised the partnership to support healthcare service delivery, renovate facilities and train frontline health workers.

He said the programme recorded remarkable successes resulting in improving health outcomes for children and women in the state.

He stated that primary health facilities were either constructed or upgraded to enable them to provide 24-hour services in rural and urban communities.

The governor said the state had enrolled 154,394 beneficiaries in the health insurance scheme to enhance access to quality healthcare service delivery.

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya

 

“I’m delighted to report significant progress in maternal and child health indicators, indicating immunisation, antenatal care and hospital delivery as revealed by the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey 2024.

“This achievement is a testament to the substantial investment made by all parties involved in the MoU.
“We are grateful for the support from our MoU partners including financial and technical assistance,” he said.

Mr Yahaya commended the development partners for the quick intervention and refurbishing of the Gombe Central medical store, which was razed by fire in 2024.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Covers Medical Bills For Patients At Palmer Memorial Hospital

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Lawmaker Covers Medical Bills For Patients At Palmer Memorial Hospital

Akwa Ibom Lawmaker covers medical bills for patients at palmer memorial Hospital. For patients at Palmer Memorial Hospital in Ikot Usen, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, financial hardship often stood between them and life-saving treatment. That changed when Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ime Basy Okon, the Member Representing Itu-Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, stepped in to settle outstanding medical bills, offering patients a renewed chance at life.

The compassionate gesture came during Day 2 of the ongoing free medical and surgical outreach sponsored by the lawmaker across Itu and Ibiono Ibom Local Government Areas. While inspecting the outreach on Day 1, Okon learned of emergency cases where patients remained stranded due to unpaid hospital bills.

Moved by their plight, he personally cleared their debts a decision he emphasized was outside the outreach’s budget, but a private intervention to support his constituents in urgent need.

Among the beneficiaries was Abasima Offiong, who had suffered a spinal cord injury and required emergency surgery. With no means to cover the cost, his condition was critical, until Hon.Okon’s intervention ensured his procedure was fully funded.

Another case was Idongesit Ndifreke, who had undergone a Caesarean section but remained in the hospital for over two weeks due to unpaid bills. The lawmaker’s generosity not only secured her discharge but also allowed her to return home with her newborn.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom

One of the most harrowing stories involved a woman whose unborn child had died in the womb. Lacking funds for an emergency procedure, her life hung in the balance. Overcome with emotion, Okon immediately took over the cost of surgery, ensuring swift medical intervention to save her life.

Speaking during the event, the lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to humanitarian efforts. “When God blesses us, we should also be a blessing to others,” he said, underscoring the importance of compassion and community support. Grateful beneficiaries and their families hailed Okon’s intervention as both timely and life-saving.

As the free medical and surgical outreach continues, it remains a beacon of hope for residents of Itu and Ibiono Ibom, reinforcing Okon’s dedication to accessible healthcare and the well-being of his constituents.

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Economy

Katsina Gov. Dikko Radda Sets Strict Regulatory Standards For Health Institutions

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Dikko Radda

Katsina Gov. Dikko Radda Sets Strict Regulatory Standards For Health Institutions

Katsina Gov. Dikko Radda sets strict regulatory standards for health institutions. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has announced that only health training institutions that meet regulatory requirements will be allowed to operate in the state.

The governor made this statement at the State Executive Council meeting, through a release issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, on Wednesday in Katsina.

The governor made this disclosure after receiving the comprehensive evaluation report on the state’s College of Health Sciences and Technology (COHESKAT) and 31 private health training institutions (PHTIs) operating across the state.

Mr Radda commended the committee for its thorough work and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding high educational standards in healthcare training.

“We must ensure that only qualified institutions operate in Katsina State,” the governor stated.

Mr Radda also directed the immediate establishment of a white paper committee to implement the panel’s recommendations.

Dikko Radda

Dikko Radda

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Umar, said that many private health institutions in the state had significant deficiencies.

He further noted that the report showed only nine out of the 31 private health colleges met the necessary operational standards.

Mr Umar stated, “The majority of the private health training institutions visited are unfit to operate in the state due to noncompliance with both regulatory and professional standards.”

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Senator Applauds Umo Eno On A.R.I.S.E Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme

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Akwa Ibom Senator

Akwa Ibom Senator Applauds Umo Eno On A.R.I.S.E Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme

Akwa Ibom Senator applauds Umo Eno on A.R.I.S.E entrepreneurial equipment support scheme. Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District has commended Governor Umo Eno on the successful launch of the A.R.I.S.E Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme.

Describing the initiative as a groundbreaking effort to empower small businesses, the distinguished Senator emphasized its potential to boost productivity and create sustainable job opportunities across Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking with newsmen on Tuesday, Senator Bassey lauded Governor Eno’s commitment to human capital development through strategic empowerment schemes, maintaining that the A.R.I.S.E Agenda is a transformative blueprint for economic growth.

According to Senator Bassey, “the newly launched scheme, which provides essential business equipment to budding entrepreneurs, will significantly enhance small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), fostering innovation and self-reliance among citizens.”

Speaking further, the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial Senator further emphasized that he has, through his pet project, the RHAB-YESS Foundation, aligned his empowerment initiatives with the A.R.I.S.E Agenda to complement the Governor’s vision.

He reiterated his dedication to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development in Akwa Ibom State, particularly in areas of youth and women empowerment.

Akwa Ibom Senator

Akwa Ibom Empowerment

“Governor Umo Eno’s A.R.I.S.E Entrepreneurial Equipment Support Scheme is a testament to his administration’s commitment to grassroots economic development. This initiative will undoubtedly provide small business owners with the necessary tools to enhance productivity and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.

Through RHAB-YESS Foundation, we will continue to play our part in supporting young entrepreneurs and ensuring the success of this noble vision,” Senator Bassey stated.

He urged beneficiaries of the scheme to make the most of the opportunity by leveraging the equipment received to expand their businesses, create employment, and contribute to the overall economic advancement of the state.

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