FG gives ₦10 billion in medical supplies to Bauchi State

The federal government has sent drugs, ambulances, and emergency care equipment worth about ₦10 billion to health facilities in Bauchi State.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, started the distribution on Saturday. Mr Pate said this is part of the federal government's plan to boost healthcare and improve services for mothers, babies, and children across the state.

Along with general equipment, the government has given free delivery kits for pregnant women and sexual and reproductive health products. The Minister mentioned that general hospitals and 20 primary healthcare (PHC) centres will get important medical equipment. Another 20 facilities in local government areas will also receive drugs and health items.

The equipment includes tools for labor and delivery, theatre equipment for caesarean sections, neonatal care technology, maternity lab tools, oxygen supplies, and blood pressure monitors. The government has also provided 15 tricycle ambulances, six regular ambulances, and 17,000 maternity kits for expectant mothers.

Mr Pate pointed out that these efforts aim to make quality healthcare more accessible for vulnerable groups. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He added that over 45 million Nigerians are currently using healthcare services every quarter, thanks to ongoing investments in PHC infrastructure, equipment, and training for healthcare workers.

The Minister mentioned several recent healthcare projects in the state. These include upgrading the Federal Teaching Hospital in Azare, setting up the North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula Centre in Ningi, and expanding the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH). The projects also include building and improving 100 PHCs through a partnership between the federal and state governments.

Mr Pate praised the state government, traditional leaders, and health workers for their commitment to better service delivery.

The Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, who represented the State Governor Bala Mohammed, praised the donation. He said that providing sexual and reproductive health products and ambulances would help reduce maternal health issues, especially in rural areas. Mr Mohammed also promised to ensure the equipment is used effectively.

The Chief Medical Director of ATBU-TH, Yusuf Jibrin, shared these views. He thanked the federal government for focusing on healthcare reform and assured that the new supplies would be used well to improve services across the state.