Bauchi, UNICEF To Overhaul 11 Healthcare Centres

Bauchi State government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has handed over 11 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) to contractors for comprehensive revitalisation.The move is aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery for mothers and children across the state.

At the ceremony, commissioner for Health, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, described the initiative as the largest overhaul of primary healthcare facilities in Bauchi’s history. He attributed the achievement to the commitment of Governor Bala Mohammed to improving access to quality healthcare services.

Dambam noted that since the inception of the current administration, more than 15 per cent of the annual budget of state has consistently been allocated to the health sector, underscoring the government’s prioritisation of healthcare delivery.

He also expressed appreciation to UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their sustained support to the state’s health programmes.

Also speaking, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, commended Governor Mohammed for partnering with the organisation to improve the wellbeing of children and mothers.

She explained that the revitalisation works would include solar power installations and improved water supply systems to ensure uninterrupted and safe healthcare services.

Dr. Rafique disclosed that the facilities, spread across nine local government areas, would significantly benefit patients, particularly women and children. She urged the contractors to adhere strictly to project timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

In his remarks, the executive chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, thanked UNICEF for approving the selected facilities for revitalisation and expressed delight at the commencement of the project, describing it as a major boost to grassroots healthcare delivery.

The primary healthcare facilities slated for revitalisation include Alkaleri Town PHC in Alkaleri West Ward of Alkaleri LGA; Tashan Babiye PHC in Dankade Ward, Bauchi LGA; Kubdiya PHC in Kubdiya Ward of Gamawa LGA; Sabuwar Kariya PHC in Kariya A Ward of Ganjuwa LGA; Miya MPHC in Miya Ward of Ganjuwa LGA; Kashuri (Mat) Primary Health Clinic in Kashuri Ward of Itas/Gadau LGA; Tatari Ali PHC in Tsakuwa Ward of Katagum LGA; Balma Health Clinic in Balma Ward of Ningi LGA; Jimi Health Clinic in Kudu Yamma Ward of Ningi LGA; Andubun PHC in Andubun Ward of Shira LGA; and PHC Zalau in Zalau Ward of Toro LGA.