The House of Representatives committee on healthcare services has commended the Jigawa State government over the introduction of viable health sector reform programmes.

The chairman of the committee, Amos Gwamna-Magaji, said this during a courtesy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi on Wednesday in Dutse.

He lauded the feat achieved in healthcare transformation programme, especially the 15 per cent budgetary allocation to the sector.

“We are proud and happy to hear that over 15 per cent of your annual budget is for health, which is remarkable and has been impactful.

“In spite of that, we have also seen that over 15 per cent of the budget is not just on paper. The 15 per cent in the budget has been going around and effectively changing the landscape of health in Jigawa State,” he said.

Mr Gwamna-Magaji congratulated the governor over $500,000 PSC Leadership Challenge Award won by the state, describing it as proof of its growing reputation in healthcare reforms.

“This shows your commitment and the height you have reached, and what you have done in the health sector,” he said.

The chairman also commended the state government for the harmonisation of health workers’ salaries with federal scales, adding that it was a remarkable step to stem brain drain of medical professionals.

Responding, Mr Namadi reiterated his commitment to transform the health sector towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state.

According to Mr Namadi, healthcare is the foundation for socio-economic development and progress of the society.

“We believe that a healthy society is a progressive society. It is only with health that you seek education, and grow economic activity to improve the economy,” he said.

He said that his administration had conducted a baseline survey to guide planning and prioritisation across all sectors, with healthcare as priority.

Mr Namadi said the state focused on strengthening the primary healthcare services, which are the cornerstone for effective service delivery.

“Primary healthcare must be strengthened to provide health to your people. We feel there is a need to make primary healthcare centres very habitable, where workers and citizens will be happy,” he said.

The governor assured of his administration’s determination to deepen healthcare reforms to achieve UHC.

(NAN)