By Umma Ahmad
As someone deeply involved in shaping Kaduna State’s healthcare system, I have witnessed firsthand the transformation taking place under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership. Between 2023 and early 2025, Governor Uba Sani’s administration has made significant efforts to improve healthcare access, infrastructure, and service delivery. But what do these achievements mean for the everyday citizens of Kaduna?
Let’s take a closer look at the real impact of Governor Uba Sani’s health sector initiatives.
Revamping Healthcare Infrastructure: A New Dawn for Local Clinics
For years, many residents of Kaduna struggled with poorly equipped public hospitals and clinics. That picture is rapidly changing. Under Governor Uba Sani’s leadership, over 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have been either built or rehabilitated. I recently visited a newly renovated clinic in Kafanchan, where a mother of three shared how the facility saved her newborn’s life when he developed a sudden, high-grade fever. “Before now, we had to travel miles to get proper care. Now, we have doctors and nurses right here,” she said, relief evident in her voice.
Virtually all the 255 political wards in the state can boast of a befitting PHC facility at level-2 status, equipped with modern tools and staff, providing a 24-hour medical service. PHCs U/ Shanu, U/ Sanusi and the Maternal, Child, Adolescent and Nutrition Unit at PHC Gidan Daji are among the latest facilities commissioned. Interestingly, the facility recently launched by His Excellency at Tudun Biri is already witnessing a massive patronage from within and neighbouring settlements, recording an attendant improvement in health indices locally.
At the secondary health facility level, the Governor has awarded contracts to totally over-haul and revitalize 14 general hospitals and most of them have reached advanced levels of completion. This will, no doubt, ensure delivery of sepcialized care to more complex medical cases across the state.
Having witnessed challenges with conventional power grid, His Excellency has instructed Installation of solar-powered alternative in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH), ensuring uninterrupted electric supply healthcare service delivery and for medical research purposes.
Investing in Healthcare Workers: More Hands, More Hope
A healthcare system is only as good as the people running it. Recognizing this, the government has recruited over 500 healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, and midwives—to bridge staffing shortages, and has just approved the recruitment of another 1,800 to manage our PHC facilities. It’s not just about numbers; they are also receiving better incentives, training, and support, as motivation.
One of them is Dr. Musa Ibrahim, who was posted to a rural hospital last year. He admits that conditions were tough initially, but things have improved. “The government is providing accommodation for us now, and our salaries are paid on time. More of my colleagues are willing to work in rural areas,” he told me.
Affordable Healthcare: A Game-Changer for Individuals, Families and communities
One of the biggest barriers to healthcare access is cost, largely, as out-of-pocket expenditure. With the expansion of the State Health Insurance Scheme, more people, especially low-income earners, now have access to free or heavily subsidized medical care. Enrollment in the scheme has jumped by 40%, a statistic that translates into real impact. I met Baba Sule, a retired civil servant in Zaria, who told me that his wife’s diabetes medication is now covered under the scheme. “Before now, we had to buy everything out of our pockets. Now, we don’t have to worry as much,” he said with a grateful smile.
Tackling Disease: Winning the Battle Against Malaria and Infant Mortality
Preventive healthcare is another area where progress is glaringly visible. The administration has strengthened immunization programs, achieving a record-high 95% vaccination rate for children. Malaria, a leading cause of death in many parts of Nigeria, is being aggressively tackled with the distribution of over one million insecticide-treated nets. The result? A significant reduction in new cases as well as mortality rate, especially among children.
Aisha, a young mother in Birnin Gwari, recalled how she lost a child to malaria a few years ago. Now, with free mosquito nets and readily available malaria drugs at the local clinic, she feels more secure. “I just had my second baby, and this time, I know she is safer,” she said.
Embracing Technology: Bringing Healthcare Closer to the people
Innovation has also played a role in transforming healthcare. Digital medical records have been introduced in key hospitals, reducing wait times and improving efficiency. A client-satisfaction survey conducted recently revealed that majority of respondents strongly believe that the Electronic Medical Records at BDTH and many other centres greatly shortened time-to-consultation and significantly reduced the turn-around-time for most investigations at the laboratories
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While these improvements are commendable, challenges remain. Some remote areas still lack adequate health facilities, and demand for services continues to outstrip supply. But there are plans in motion—Governor Uba Sani’s administration is committed to constructing more health centers and further expanding health insurance coverage.
My Final Thoughts: A Healthier Kaduna, One Step at a Time
As I reflect on Governor Uba Sani’s health sector scorecard, the most striking aspect is not just the numbers or statistics, but the human stories behind them. From mothers who no longer fear childbirth complications to elderly citizens who can afford medications, these changes are making a difference in people’s lives. The journey is far from over, but one thing is clear—Kaduna’s healthcare system is on the right path – Governor Uba Sani has made that a reality thereby attaining flying colours on this score-card.
What are your thoughts? Have you or someone you know benefited from these improvements? Let’s keep the conversation going!
Umma is Commissioner of Health, Kaduna State