The remarkable strides of Gombe State in primary healthcare delivery under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya have once again earned national recognition, solidifying the state’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation and excellence.
At the recently held 2023/2024 PHC Leadership Challenge Awards organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in partnership with UNICEF and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Gombe State emerged as the Most Innovative State in Primary Health Care.
The state also clinched a $400,000 reward for ranking as the second-best state in Primary Health Care Delivery in the Northeast region.
These awards, presented at a gala event in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, attended by dignitaries including Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlighted Gombe State’s transformative approach to healthcare, driven by a vision to make quality healthcare accessible to all.
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has prioritized the health sector, recognizing its central role in driving sustainable development. One of his first actions was to declare a State of Emergency on Health, a strategic move that set the foundation for bold and innovative reforms.
Under the state of emergency, the Governor ensured the revitalization of one functional Primary Health Care Centre (PHC) in each of the 114 wards across the state. These PHCs now operate 24/7, providing essential services to the most underserved communities. For many residents in rural areas, these upgraded PHCs have been a lifeline, bridging critical healthcare gaps and saving countless lives.
Gombe State’s success has been fueled by groundbreaking innovations that have set new standards in healthcare delivery.
The state’s Biometric Programme was singled out during the awards as a benchmark for other states aspiring to revolutionize their healthcare systems. This initiative has improved punctuality, efficiency, strengthened accountability, and enhanced patient data management, ensuring that available manpower resources are effectively utilized to serve the people.
The leadership of Governor Inuwa Yahaya has led to significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and service delivery.
Beyond the revitalization of PHCs, Gombe State has upgraded its secondary healthcare facilities, equipping them to meet the growing demand for medical services.
The state has also invested in the recruitment, training, and welfare of healthcare professionals, ensuring a well-motivated workforce capable of delivering quality care.
These reforms have resulted in measurable improvements in the state’s health indicators. Immunization rates have increased, maternal and child mortality have declined, and access to essential services has been expanded to even the most remote communities. Gombe’s focus on preventive care, routine immunization, and maternal health has laid the foundation for a healthier population.
Gombe State’s achievements under Governor Inuwa provide a compelling case study for other states striving to improve healthcare delivery. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that combines innovation, infrastructure development, and human capital investment, Gombe has demonstrated what can be achieved with purposeful leadership and political will.
The awards from the NGF, UNICEF, and NPHCDA, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, validate Gombe’s progress and highlight its role as a shining example of healthcare excellence in Nigeria.
At the award ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, applauded the efforts of Gombe State and other award recipients, emphasizing that such leadership is critical to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, also commended Gombe State for its commitment to innovation, urging other states to follow its example.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya dedicated the accolades to the people of Gombe State, especially the healthcare workers who have remained steadfast in delivering quality services.
“This recognition as the Most Innovative State in PHC, along with the $400,000 reward, reflects our collective resolve to transform healthcare delivery in Gombe. Our efforts are guided by the principle that quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and must be accessible to every citizen, regardless of location or status,” the Governor stated.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare systems, expanding innovation, and ensuring that Gombe becomes a model for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria.
In the words of the Governor, “Our journey does not stop here. We will continue to innovate, expand, and improve our healthcare systems to secure a healthier future for the people of Gombe.”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision for healthcare sector remains clear: to ensure that no citizen is left behind in accessing life-saving services. With continued focus on innovation, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships, Gombe State is well on its way to achieving lasting improvements in health outcomes, setting an enviable standard for others to follow.
Gombe’s success story is a powerful reminder that with bold leadership and unwavering commitment, transformative change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances. Under Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe State has become a shining example of how to build a healthcare system that truly serves the people.
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