MD N-HYPPADEC ASSURES NIGER STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF SUPPORT TO ADDRESS HEALTH CARE CHALLENGES.

MD N-HYPPADEC ASSURES NIGER STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH OF SUPPORT TO ADDRESS HEALTH CARE CHALLENGES.

The Managing Director of the National HydroElectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, FCNA, FNIIS (Katukan Yauri), has assured the Niger State Ministry of Health of the Commission’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at addressing the myriad of challenges plaguing healthcare delivery in the state.

Alhaji Yelwa gave the assurance when he received the Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, on a courtesy visit on Tuesday.

He described healthcare services as one of the Commission’s cardinal intervention areas, noting that hundreds of patients have benefited from its free medical outreach programmes across member states. He recalled that during previous outreach exercises, Niger State recorded the highest number of beneficiaries due to its strategic position and the large number of local government areas within the N-HYPPADEC mandate.

“Health services are a major component of N-HYPPADEC’s activities in communities. We provide support to improve the health sector and facilities, especially in N-HYPPADEC communities.

“Presently, we cover about 65 to 69 local government areas with over 280 political wards, and in all these communities, the issues you have highlighted are prevalent. Health is a sector we must pay serious attention to.

“Paying attention is not a matter of lip service; it requires adequate financial support”, he said.

He also disclosed that the Commission plans to convene a meeting with Commissioners of Health from the 10 member states to strategise and harmonise critical interventions in line with available resources.

Alhaji Yelwa further commended the leadership foresight of Dr. Bagana, stressing that his plans and programmes would serve as a model for other states to emulate. While highlighting the financial constraints facing the Commission, the Managing Director reiterated its commitment to prioritising healthcare support.

Earlier in his presentation, the Commissioner painted a gloomy picture of the health crisis bedevilling the state. He, however, expressed optimism that the current administration under Farmer Umaru Bago is reversing the trend through massive investment in the healthcare sector.

He noted that under the leadership of Governor Umaru Bago, the state government has embarked on major reforms, including the revitalisation of primary healthcare centres, renovation and upgrade of the IBB Specialist Hospital and General Hospital in Minna, as well as the construction of a teaching hospital.

Dr. Bagana further disclosed that since assuming office, he has implemented the “THRIVE Agenda” aimed at repositioning the state’s healthcare system.

He added that the visit was to solicit N-HYPPADEC’s support for the state government’s efforts to bridge gaps in health service utilisation and to support the implementation of the Niger State Integrated Medical Outreach Programme.

He said the programme, which will be implemented in phases and is scheduled to commence in May, will be supported by corporate organisations and partners in both the public and private sectors.