By Awwal Umar Kontagora The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has allocated N260 million to the Niger State Governm...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has allocated N260 million to the Niger State Government for the establishment of 40 new Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state to complement the existing ones.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPHCDA, Dr. Muyi Aina, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna.
Dr. Aina, who was on a working visit to the state, explained that the new facilities are intended to support the governor's efforts in improving healthcare delivery across Niger State. He further stated that the project would be funded directly from the NPHCDA's resources, which have been mobilized from development partners.
Dr. Aina also revealed that more PHC facilities in Niger State would benefit from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, as the federal government under President Tinubu plans to double the number of PHCs receiving the funds. Additionally, the amount each facility receives will increase from N300,000 to between N600,000 and N800,000 quarterly, depending on the number of patients served.
He urged Governor Bago to maintain accountability, monitor the use of the funds, and provide feedback to the agency. Dr. Aina praised the governor for his significant strides in sectors such as agriculture, health, and education. He also called for more efforts to address human resource gaps and increase the density of level two healthcare facilities to better handle maternal health issues.
Dr. Aina noted that, based on the NPHCDA’s assessment, PHC facilities in Niger State are in decent condition. However, he highlighted the need for more staff, 24-hour operation at the facilities, and accommodation for healthcare workers.
In response, Governor Bago affirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in health and education, noting that 70 to 80 percent of next year’s capital expenditure will be allocated to these two sectors. He mentioned that the state government is in discussions with international organizations to deploy technology, such as telemedicine, in PHC facilities across the state.
The governor added that the state has invested in internet infrastructure and fiber optics, which will soon be deployed to PHC facilities, particularly in rural areas affected by insecurity. Other improvements for the PHCs include renewable energy for 24-hour power supply, security outposts, mini ambulances, and accommodation for healthcare staff.
Governor Bago also announced plans to train doctors in China on how to use the new medical equipment and mentioned that farms have been dedicated to hospitals under the Niger Foods Agriculture initiative to help manage recurrent expenditures.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the NPHCDA for funding the additional 40 PHC facilities and assured that the design of the new structures would adhere to established standards. He also reaffirmed the state’s readiness to continue collaborating with the agency for the benefit of the people.
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