By AUSTINE TSENZUGHUL, Bauchi –
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has commended the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the construction of a new oxygen production plant in Ali Kwara General Hospital, Azare worth 2.5 billion naira.
He also appreciated the organisation’s support in the renovation of 107 Primary Healthcare centres, capacity building for health workers and continuous support for community structures including volunteer community mobilizers (VCMs), mama to mama support groups, community resource persons and community health influencers, promoters and services (CHIPS Agents).
Speaking in an interactive session with the officials of UNICEF at the Council Chambers, Government House, Bauchi, the Governor noted that the visit has further demonstrated the commitment of the UNICEF to bolster a stronger partnership with the Bauchi State Government towards providing high quality and effective health care services to the people of the state.
The Governor informed that at the inception of his regime in 2019, the State Government and UNICEF have been collaborating to positively transform the lives of children and their mothers, particularly in the areas of immunization, nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, as well as enhancing maternal and child health care services.
He told the visitors that his administration has placed high priority on the health sector as demonstrated by executing various laudable projects which include construction and full equipping of additional Primary Healthcare Centres, General Hospitals and renovation and equipping of Primary Healthcare Centres while more than 300 Primary Healthcare Centres have received a seed stock to run a Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) so as to ensure supply of sustainable, affordable and quality essential dugs and medical consumables.
The Governor announced the enrolment of all civil servants and their families to the State Health Insurance Scheme with a released of funds to the Agency to ensure a vibrant and healthy workforce that will drive the implementation of various government programmes and policies.
“The State Government under my leadership has remained faithful to the Abuja declaration by allocating 15% and above of the total State Annual Budget to the health Sector. The recent emergence of Bauchi State as the second most improved State in the Northeast and by extension Nigeria as a whole under the Primary Healthcare leadership challenge with the award of $400,000 underscores my commitment to transforming the health of the good people of Bauchi State.
“I will like to once again thank the UNICEF team for this visit and extend the appreciation of my humble self, the Government and the good people of Bauchi State to you for the various supports of your organization to my Government. I wish to reassure you of my Administration’s commitments to provide you with a conducive atmosphere to implement your projects and programmes in the State.”
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to fulfill all Government’s obligations and payment of counterpart funds, including Primary Healthcare Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) contributions and non-MoU counterpart funds in order to achieve the desired objectives.
On his part, the Bauchi UNICEF officer, Dr Tushar Rane appreciated the robust partnership between the Bauchi state government and his organisation and assured to do more for improvement in critical sectors of economy.
“Your Excellency, we are happy with your support to UNICEF especially the release of funds to our MoUs. UNICEF will always stand on solidarity to you and your dynamic government.
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