Bauchi Renews Health Commitment on World Health Day, Expands Free Services and Infrastructure

The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery as it marked World Health Day with renewed focus on improved services and infrastructure.

In his keynote address, the State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Muhammad Dambam, highlighted significant progress made in the state’s health sector at the gathering held in Ministry of Health’s premises.

He revealed that 323 Primary Healthcare Centres PHCs have been renovated, alongside 27 secondary health facilities, while three new general hospitals are currently under construction following the creation of new emirates.

The Commissioner also noted that the Drug Revolving Fund has been strengthened to ensure the steady availability of essential medicines for residents.

According to him, the state remains committed to timely payment of counterpart funding to sustain health programmes.

Dr. Dambam further emphasized ongoing free medical outreach programmes aimed at ensuring inclusive access to healthcare, which include free treatment for accident and snakebite victims, as well as maternal healthcare services under the SEMSAS and SIMONK programmes.

He added that the government plans to deepen the use of science and innovation in healthcare delivery to achieve sustainable outcomes, urging stakeholders to collaborate in advancing the sector.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria BACATMA, Dr Adamu Sambo, described the celebration as a significant milestone.

He noted that it was first of it kind in years that stakeholders across the health sector gathered to commemorate the day, reflecting the government’s renewed dedication to citizens’ wellbeing.

Dr. Sambo added that many essential health services, including HIV testing, tuberculosis treatment, and immunization, are provided free of charge across the state.

Speaking on the theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” he stressed the importance of collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and innovative technologies in improving health outcomes.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Rilwanu Muhammad, said improved disease surveillance has significantly reduced the prevalence of illnesses such as diphtheria, polio, cholera, Lassa fever, and malaria.

He called for increase support from government and development partners to tackle emerging health challenges and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving maternal health.

Dr Muhammad disclosed that five hundred million naira has been approved by the state Government as a matching grant to boost healthcare services.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency DMMA, Pharmacist Abdulkadir Ahmad, assured residents of consistent availability of medical supplies, noting that the agency is expanding its facilities to 600 to improve statewide coverage.

Representing the World Health Organization in Bauchi, Dr Yariman Kucici, stated that the organization continues to support the state in disease surveillance, detection of wild poliovirus, identification of zero-dose children, and deployment of real-time, technology-driven health interventions.

He added that WHO is also assisting with active case searches and capacity building for healthcare workers.

Dr Kucuci said, the event underscored Bauchi State’s growing commitment to strengthening its health system and ensuring accessible, quality healthcare for all residents.