Federal Government and Global Development Partner, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have commended the Primary Health Care (PHC) policies and programs of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, describing it as a bold restoration agenda for the health sector.
The commendation were given at the commissioning of a newly built Primary Health Care Centre in Fuka, Muyan Local Government area of the state by the Federal Government in collaboration with the state government.
The federal government through the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole were full of praises for the Niger state government policy of revitalising and repositioning the Primary Health Care system under the “PHC under one roof program” in 274 wards of the state.
The Minister said that the health policy trust of Governor Sani Bello and the level of commitment and dedication in pursuing the policy are clear testimony of the governor’s resolve to full actualization of the restoration agenda of the his administration, which he said was in tandem with the federal government health agenda.
Prof. Adewole singled out the governor’s drive of the primary healthcare sector and was full of commendation. ” Your Execellency, I have been in Niger State for five times now and this is because we have a performing governor who has something to show. Mr. Governor, one cannot but admire your commitment and support to the health care sector, as evident in your policy, programs and projects.
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“That is why our collaborative effort with the state is working perfectly. We offered to build this Primary Healthcare Center in Fuka and along the line, the governor, realising that the laboratory of the clinic was not in place, he (governor) decided to build the laboratory. This is an indication that collaboration with Federal Government on issues like this have come to stay and we are ready to partner with any state just as we are with Niger State”.
Speaking in same vein, global development partner, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said the qualitative health policy of Governoe Sani Bello informed its partnership with the state.
The founder of the foundation, Mr. Bill Gates who spoke through the foundation’s Global Development President, Dr. Chris Elias eulogised the innovation and vision of Governor Sani Bello for the health sector.
According to Gates, “I want to congratulate His Excellency and the entire health sector team for their innovation, vision, and commitment to health for the people of Niger State. Through your determination and perseverance, you increased the health budget last year, and you’re committed to raising it again this year.
“Your health sector leadership is also pursuing innovative approaches to transform the PHC system, including partnership with the Niger State Transport Agency to deliver critically needed medicines to facilities, negotiation of lower drug prices with wholesalers, and the development of a realistic service delivery plan that makes hard but needed choices to maximize Niger’s existing human and financial resources”.
Niger State government recently signed a N1.29 billion four year Memoradium of Understanding with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to strengthened and transform the primary health care system in the state.
Jibrin Baba Ndace
Chief Press Secretary
