Why Gombe Bags National Award On Primary Healthcare, Earns $400,000 Reward

Feature

BY NAJIB SANI

Nigeria’s healthcare sector has faced numerous challenges over the years with lack of adequate facilities, man power, infrastructure and equipment. But Gombe State is setting a new standard for healthcare excellence. Gombe State, located in the northeastern part of the country, has recently emerged as a model in innovative healthcare solutions, earning it the prestigious award for the Most Innovative State in Primary Health Care (PHC) at the 2023/2024 PHC Leadership Challenge.

The state won the special award at the 2023/2024 PHC Leadership Challenge organised by the Nigerian Governors Forum in partnership with UNICEF, National Primary Health Care Development Agency and supported by Bill and Melinda Foundation and Dangote Foundation.

The award also came with a $400,000 reward for ranking as the second-best state in Primary Health Care Delivery in the Northeast subregion.

Gombe State’s commitment to healthcare transformation is evident in its various initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency has been instrumental in promoting healthcare delivery, and its Biometric programme has been hailed as a benchmark for other states to follow.

Innovative Solutions for Better Healthcare

So, what sets Gombe State apart from other states in Nigeria? The answer lies in its innovative approach to healthcare delivery. The state has implemented a range of initiatives, including: revitalisation of primary health care centres and where there was none, it provided at least one in each of the 114 wards of the state.

It also upgraded many secondary healthcare facilities notable among which is the ultra-modern Kumo General Hospital in Akko local government area of the state. The government also upgraded the state Specialist Hospital in the state capital and built new structures and purchased equipment. In terms of man power, the government recruited 400 new health workers. Additionally, it established GO-HEALTH, an health contributory scheme that provides insurance to all residents of the state including civil servants and those in the private and non formal sectors.

A Model for Other States to Follow

Gombe was singled out for special honour, with the judges hailing the State’s Biometric programme and other innovations as benchmark for other sub-nationals aspiring to revolutionise their healthcare systems.

The awards were presented during the 2023/2024 PHC Leadership Challenge Award/ Gala graced by dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The event, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, recognized and incentivized states that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the delivery of primary health care services across Nigeria.

Vice President Shettima, represented by Presidential Adviser, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar commended Gombe and other award winning states for their dedication to healthcare transformation, emphasizing the importance of leadership in achieving the universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.

In his keynote address, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, lauded the achievements of Gombe State and other award recipients during the event, emphasizing the impact of innovation and strong leadership in healthcare delivery.

He noted that such recognitions not only highlight the progress being made in advancing primary health care but also serve as a call to action for other states to adopt sustainable practices that prioritize the well-being of their citizens.

Professor Pate reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting states in their pursuit of universal health coverage and achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.

Responding, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State dedicated the awards to the healthcare workers in the state who have remained committed to delivering quality services.

“This recognition as the Most Innovative State in PHC, along with the $400,000 reward for being the second-best in Primary Health Care delivery, is a result of our collective efforts to enhancing healthcare for our people. It underscores our collective resolve to ensure quality healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of location or status,” he stated.

“As we continue to innovate and expand our healthcare systems, I wish to reaffirm our commitment to making Gombe a shining example in the pursuit of universal health coverage.”

It should be noted that since assuming office in 2019, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has made healthcare sector a top priority, leading to significant improvements in both infrastructure and services across Gombe State.

His commitment to transforming the healthcare sector has not only improved the overall health indicators of the state but has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.

The Governor’s leadership and vision have ensured that the people have access to high-quality healthcare services across the nooks and crannies of the State in line with the objective of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Governor was accompanied to the award ceremony by Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru and that of Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali. Also on the entourage were the Chairman of
Gombe State Drug and Medical Consumables Management Agency (GODMA) Dr. Ismail Jibrin, Executive Secretaries of GoHealth and GSPHCDA, Dr. Abubakar Musa and Dr. Abdulrahman Shu’aibu respectively, Chairman of Gombe Local Government, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna among other officials.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of healthcare delivery, Gombe State’s success story offers a beacon of hope. With its commitment to innovative healthcare solutions and its dedication to improving healthcare delivery, Gombe State is paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous Nigeria.