Kebbi State Government said it will expand the scope of basichealthcare provisional fund, to ensure equity and easy access by the poor and rural dwellers.
The state Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Usman Kambaza, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the fund was operational in Ngaski, Jega and Arewal Local Government Areas and that it would be expanded to cover other areas.
Alhaji Kambaza, who did not disclose the amount released to each beneficiary, said the fund was to enable pregnant women in remote areas to gain access to health centres from conception to birth.
Governor Atiku Bagudu
He said that provision of the support fund would be sustained and expanded to ensure that maternal and child healthcare services were provided in rural areas.
According to him, the state government is collaborating with UNICEF and other international donor agencies to ensure the success of the programme.
The commissioner said that in addition to the fund, maternal and child health centres had been provided in Yauri and Argungu, adding that equipped health centres would be provided in 225 wards to boost healthcare delivery.
The state, he said, had adopted a long-term programme of rehabilitation of general hospitals.
According to him, 13 hospitals to benefit in the first phase include Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospitals in Birnin Kebbi, Jega, Argungu, Bunza, Bagudo Lamba, Wasagu, Yauri, Kambaza and Koko-Besse.
He said that the state government would sustain a holistic approach to healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas, and urged national, international agencies and stakeholders to support the efforts.
