Uba Sani’s Ruin-to-Rebirth triumph in Kaduna
- By Nasir Dambatta
Governor Uba Sani’s administration is rewriting the narrative of healthcare in Kaduna State, transforming it from a broken system to one that is thriving, sustainable, and accessible to all. It would be recalled that only last month Kaduna was ranked the second best, after Lagos, among the states with the most functional healthcare delivery system.
With a series of high-impact interventions, he is not only repairing infrastructure but also reshaping the healthcare landscape to serve the needs of every citizen, regardless of their location or status.
On November 27, Governor Sani commissioned the upgraded and fully equipped Dabo Mohammed Lere Memorial Hospital in Saminaka of Lere Local Government Area. This hospital, once a shadow of what it should have been, now stands as a proof to his leadership style—a clear embodiment of his commitment to uplifting healthcare standards. The commissioning of this facility is one of the many steps in Governor Sani’s ambitious vision to overhaul the healthcare sector in Kaduna State.
Upon taking office, Governor Uba Sani inherited a healthcare system in ruins. Many of the state’s hospitals were outdated, poorly equipped, and understaffed. The healthcare infrastructure was in a dire state of disrepair, and service delivery was far below acceptable standards. Access to quality care, especially in rural and underserved areas, was limited, and many citizens were forced to rely on substandard services or travel long distances for treatment. Governor Sani knew that transforming this broken system was not only necessary but urgent.
In the face of these challenges, he set forth a clear, ambitious plan to reshape the state’s healthcare system. Describing it as a “surgical operation” for the sector, Governor Sani focused on five key strategic objectives: enhancing health infrastructure, improving service delivery, strengthening human resources for health, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and increasing sustainable health financing. These objectives form the foundation of a comprehensive healthcare strategy that is both long-term and inclusive.
A major highlight of this strategy has been the refurbishment and upgrade of existing healthcare facilities. The reopening of Dabo Mohammed Lere Memorial Hospital is a significant achievement, but it is only one piece of a larger plan. Governor Sani has committed to remodelling, equipping, and upgrading 13 general hospitals across the state. These hospitals, spread across the three senatorial zones, include facilities in Gwantu, Rigasa, Maigana, Giwa, Kachia, SabonTasha, and others. In total, 13 hospitals will undergo substantial renovations, bringing them up to modern standards.
What sets Governor Sani apart from predecessors is his determination to ensure that these hospitals don’t just receive cosmetic improvements but are equipped with world-class medical equipment, cutting-edge technology, and a capable workforce. Each hospital is being transformed into a centre of excellence capable of offering a broad range of services, from basic healthcare to specialized treatments. This will drastically reduce the number of citizens who need to travel out of state or to private healthcare centres for treatment.
During the commissioning ceremony of Dabo Mohammed Lere Memorial Hospital, Governor Sani stressed that this was only the beginning. The first phase of this initiative will see the completion of 13 general hospitals, and the second phase will bring an additional 13 hospitals under the same renovation scheme. These upgrades are being done with the utmost care and focus on ensuring that each hospital is well-equipped and adequately staffed to provide high-quality healthcare services to all residents of Kaduna State.
One of the most impressive aspects of the governor’s healthcare transformation is the emphasis on human resources. The governor has recognized that modernizing healthcare infrastructure alone is not enough. It is equally important to address the quality of healthcare professionals working in the system. As such, the state is investing heavily in the training, recruitment, and retention of healthcare workers, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to deliver top-notch care.
Governor Sani’s administration is also focused on improving the working conditions for medical professionals. A major part of his plan is to create a supportive environment that encourages healthcare workers to thrive. This includes better pay, ongoing professional development, and a culture of respect and accountability. By attracting and retaining qualified personnel, Governor Sani is ensuring that the hospitals are not only modern but staffed with competent professionals who can deliver care that meets international standards.
Equally critical is addressing the persistent challenge of ensuring the availability of essential medicines. In many parts of Kaduna, especially in rural and remote areas, citizens have faced significant difficulties in accessing vital medicines. By strengthening the state’s supply chain in about 290 health centres and improving distribution networks, Governor Sani is addressing this issue head-on. His administration is committed to ensuring that every hospital is adequately stocked with the medicines needed to treat patients, whether for routine procedures or emergency care. This intervention is expected to drastically reduce the dependence on costly private pharmacies and bring healthcare costs down for ordinary citizens.
Another significant aspect of the governor’s healthcare strategy is the push for sustainable health financing. Historically, Kaduna State’s healthcare system has been hampered by inadequate funding. To resolve this, Governor Sani is working to implement long-term financial strategies that will ensure the state’s healthcare system is not reliant on ad hoc or short-term solutions. By increasing sustainable funding for healthcare, the governor is ensuring that the improvements made today will be maintained well into the future. His focus on health financing also ensures that the state can continue to expand its healthcare offerings, invest in new technologies, and strengthen the healthcare workforce without the constant struggle for financial resources.
Governor Sani’s approach is one that takes into account the multifaceted nature of healthcare. He understands that healthcare is not just about physical infrastructure—it is about creating a system that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the people. His comprehensive strategy ensures that healthcare in Kaduna will be accessible to all, irrespective of location, social status, or economic background.
The massive reform in Kaduna’s healthcare system is a clear example of how visionary leadership can turn adversity into opportunity. By focusing on long-term, sustainable improvements, Governor Sani is laying the foundation for a healthcare system that will serve generations to come. As these newly remodelled hospitals begin to serve the people, they will stand as symbols of hope, demonstrating that with the right leadership, even the most challenging systems can be completely overhauled.
Evidently, his healthcare revamping is more than just a series of infrastructure projects; it is a movement that has the potential to change the trajectory of healthcare in the entire region. It is a triumph of leadership, vision, and commitment to the welfare of the people of Kaduna State. The work has only just begun, but it is already evident that the future of healthcare in Kaduna is brighter than ever before. Governor Sani’s ruin-to-rebirth triumph is a powerful reminder that, with determination and strategic action, no challenge is insurmountable.
What began as a broken system is now on the path to becoming one of the most advanced and equitable healthcare systems in the country. The governor’s relentless dedication to improving healthcare in Kaduna has set a new standard for what is possible when leaders prioritize the health and well-being of their people.
Dambatta is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media.
