Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, on Wednesday, received a meritorious award from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) at their 64th Annual General Scientific Conference and Delegates Meeting (AGSC & DM) 2024, taking place at CICC Summit Hills, Calabar.
The award was presented by NMA President Dr. Uche R. Ojinmah in recognition of Governor Radda’s leadership in healthcare reforms.
It’s worth noting that Governor Radda was the only governor recognized by the NMA at the event for his ongoing healthcare reforms in Katsina State.
Highlights of his achievements in the Katsina health sector, as listed by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Katsina State Governor, include:
- Inauguration of State Health Council
- The sponsorship of 41 medical students to study MBBS in Egypt, with payment of tuition fees for the first two (2) years.
- Increased entry points for medical doctors and upward revision of residency allowances.
- Approval of residency training program at the federal teaching hospital.
- Recruitment of 41 medical doctors, 40 nurses/midwives, 8 medical laboratory scientists, and 5 pharmacists.
- Development of e-health solutions for 7 health facilities.
- Implementation of a monthly nOPV outbreak response (OBR) program to address circulating mutant poliovirus.
- Renovation and upgrade of selected hospital facilities.
- Training of healthcare workers on Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI).
- Conduct of a State Training of Trainers (STOT) program for the transition of Voluntary Community Mobilizers (VCMs) to Community Health Influencers, Promoters, and Services (CHIPS) roles.
- Construction of a new dialysis center at the Amadi Rimi General Hospital, Katsina.
- Upgrade of the Faskari Comprehensive Health Centre to a General Hospital.
- Ongoing plans to upgrade the Kankara and Dandume Comprehensive Health Centers to General Hospitals.