Kaduna State Government says it has spent N121.36 billion on the health sector in the last five years.
The Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, disclosed this at the 2021 graduation of the third cohort of the Health Leadership Academy (HLA) on Wednesday. Balarabe who was a guest at the occasion which held virtually, said the investments were aimed at ensuring better outcomes in the health sector of Kaduna state.
“Since 2016, the state has maintained a budgetary allocation of 16% and above for the health sector, devoting the sum of N 121.36 billion in the five years of this administration. The budgetary allocation has enabled the state to implement healthcare policies, expand healthcare infrastructure, increase staff strength, expand access and improve the quality of healthcare services across all levels.
“All these point to our commitment towards guaranteeing the healthcare and wellness of our people. For us as a government, health care is not only fundamental to any human development, but a basic right for every citizen and we are committed to deliver on this.”
The deputy governor who is also a medical doctor, said it was crucial to develop the leadership capacity of health professionals at junior and senior management levels to meet future challenges.
Balarabe said the training would improve their knowledge, skills, and productivity as professionals in the delivery of healthcare services. She congratulated the 30 participants, half of them from Kaduna state, adding that the training was a valuable tool for enhanced performance.
The deputy governor said apart from providing infrastructure and facilities, governments must also invest on developing leadership capacity among healthcare givers to achieve better outcomes.
“With the new information systems, ideas and skills, you can confidently face the future and exhibit high leadership qualities through developing and implementing strategies that will meet the healthcare needs of the population.”
Balarabe commended the HLA for stepping in to fill the vacuum by creating the platform for leadership development of the nation’s health sector.
