Information gathered from health facilities in Jigawa State reveals that addressing 75 percent of the disease burden and fatalities is feasible at the primary healthcare level, as highlighted by Comrade Isah Mustapha, the Executive Director of the Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotion Initiative (ELIP).
He made these remarks during a one-day interaction with the recently appointed Special Advisers and Assistants on health to Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, facilitated by the Jigawa Maternal Accountability Forum (JIMAF).
According to him, “Jigawa State Government has budgeted the sum of ₦163 billion for the Health sector from 2015 to 2022 and only N112b was released.”
He said about N65 billion was spent on salary and allowances, while ₦46 billion was spent on capital projects.
He said out of the amount, the primary health sector was given less attention, while the secondary and tertiary sectors took the lion’s share.
“If primary healthcare is given more consideration, 75% of deaths would be averted,” he said.
Mustapha said there was a need for the Jigawa state Government to redesign its health policy and spending to give more emphasis to the primary health sector to achieve the set objectives.
“Robust approach should be given to the primary healthcare sector to tackle the challenges, and make basic healthcare services more accessible and affordable for all,” he added.
Special Advisers to the governor on Health, Alhaji Isiyaku Sabo promised they would do their best towards the improvement of public healthcare services delivery.
