Katsina’s Healthcare Revolution: How PHCs are Changing the Game!

Why Primary Health Matters: The Katsina Story

You know the saying: a healthy nation is a wealthy nation! Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are super important because they’re the first point of contact for most Nigerians when they need medical help. The World Health Organization (WHO) says PHCs should be all about making healthcare accessible to everyone, right where they live. That’s exactly what Katsina State is trying to do!

Katsina’s Big Plan: Healthcare for All

Governor Dikko Radda is serious about healthcare. He made it clear during the 2025 budget presentation that it’s a top priority. The goal? To build the best healthcare system in Nigeria. They’re aiming to have at least one top-notch primary healthcare facility in each of the 361 wards in the state.

Massive Investment, Real Results

Katsina already boasts the highest number of health institutions in Nigeria – a whopping 1,751! And get this: over 85% of them are actually working! The government has already spent a solid N13.4 billion on upgrading 146 PHCs. They’re not stopping there; they’ve awarded contracts for another 158 PHCs, bringing the total to nearly 300. By the time this administration is done, they want 360 fully functional PHCs, complete with staff housing, ambulances, and all the essential medical gear.

24/7 Healthcare: No More Waiting

To make sure these facilities run smoothly, the government is putting at least three community health workers in each one. Plus, they’re implementing a three-shift system to provide 24-hour service. That means no matter when you need help, there’s someone there for you.

Visiting the PHCs: What’s on the Ground

Journalists from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) recently toured the state to see the progress for themselves. They saw that the government had upgraded at least three PHCs in each of the 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Many were renovated, fenced, and equipped with staff quarters, toilets, electricity, and boreholes for better hygiene. These facilities offer 24-hour service, including admissions and childbirth assistance, and refer serious cases to bigger hospitals.

Helping Our Neighbors: Cross-Border Healthcare

These health facilities even serve people from neighboring Niger Republic, especially those near the border. Jibia Local Government Area, which faces the aftereffects of insecurity in Niger, often sees foreigners seeking medical attention in Katsina’s health facilities.

What the People Say: Real-Life Impact

Patients interviewed praised the professionalism of the health workers. Some even said they prefer coming to Nigeria, specifically Katsina State, for better treatment, even though they have health facilities in their own country.

Voices from the Community:

• Rabi Sani: Brought her child from Niger Republic for diarrhea treatment and was grateful for the care.
• Ma’u Haruna: Came to Magama-Jibia Comprehensive Health Centre for her child’s fever and received milk and drugs for malnutrition.
• Nafisa Lawal: Heard good things about the health facility and brought her child with diarrhea and vomiting for better treatment.

Tackling Challenges and Looking Ahead

Experts agree that improving primary healthcare is crucial. Musa Abdullahi, a community health extension officer, says PHCs make healthcare more affordable, create a healthier society, and help respond quickly to disease outbreaks. He urged the government to keep improving access to primary healthcare in rural areas.

The Road Ahead: More to Come

Katsina State is showing how serious investment and smart planning can transform healthcare. By focusing on PHCs, they’re bringing quality medical services to the people who need them most. This is a story of progress, partnership, and a commitment to a healthier future for all.