New healthcare centers coming to Niger State with N260 million support
On Tuesday, September 17, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) announced that they have given ₦260 million to the Niger State Government to create 40 new primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in the state.
During a visit to Governor Mohammed Bago at the Government House in Minna, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina, shared this exciting news. He mentioned that the money comes from partners who want to help improve healthcare.
Aina said, “More PHCs in Niger State will benefit from the Basic Health Care Provision Funds,” explaining that the federal government plans to double the number of PHCs receiving support and increase the funds they get from ₦300,000 to between ₦600,000 and ₦800,000 every three months, depending on how many patients they see.
He encouraged the governor to keep an eye on how the money is spent and to share updates with the agency.
Aina praised Governor Bago for his hard work in important areas like agriculture, health, and education. He also mentioned the need for more health workers and better facilities to help mothers and babies, and he highlighted the importance of having healthcare available all day and night.
In response, Governor Bago said on Wednesday, September 18, that his government is committed to improving health and education. He shared that next year, between 70 and 80 percent of their budget will focus on these two areas.
The governor explained that they are talking to international organizations to use technology in healthcare, adding, “All PHCs will soon have telemedicine.” He also mentioned that they are working on improving internet access and using renewable energy to keep the centers powered 24/7.
Governor Bago stated that they plan to provide security, mini ambulances, and even places for health workers to stay. He mentioned that doctors would be trained in China to learn how to use new equipment, and they will grow food to support the hospitals.
Thanking NPHCDA for the 40 new centers, Governor Bago promised to make sure they meet the required standards and expressed his eagerness to keep working together to help the community.
