…as oversight visit continues across Yamaltu Deba, and Balanga LGAs
The Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, has called on Local Government Chairmen across the state to complement the government’s efforts in revitalising the primary healthcare system by ensuring motorable access roads to Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
The Commissioner made the appeal during a site inspection tour of healthcare facilities in Balanga and Yamaltu Deba Local Government Areas, where he assessed the level of work done so far under the ongoing PHC remodelling initiative.
Addressing the Chairman of Balanga LGA, Hon. Ibrahim Salihu, during the visit, Dahiru emphasised the need for local governments to take full ownership of the upgraded facilities and contribute to their long-term sustainability.
“There was an encroachment on the land around PHC Talasse, but we’ve successfully reclaimed it. As part of the ongoing renovations, we’ve expanded the maternity ward, upgraded the laboratory, and installed fencing and a gatehouse. However, the road leading to the facility is in a deplorable condition and needs urgent intervention,” Dahiru stated.
He encouraged the Chairman to write to the state local government joint development projects agency to construct even if it is a motorable pathway leading to the PHCs.
He explained that while the state government has invested significantly in improving infrastructure and service delivery across 191 PHCs, challenges such as poor road access remain a serious concern—especially for patients who require emergency care or routine maternal and child health services.
The Commissioner described community and local government ownership as essential to the success of the healthcare reforms being implemented by the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, under the flagship policy of ensuring two functional PHCs in every ward across the state.
During the oversight, Dahiru also issued a four-week deadline to contractors handling the renovation of PHCs across the state. He charged them to expedite work and deliver all assigned projects within the stipulated period.
“We are not compromising on timelines. Contractors must deliver within four weeks. These facilities are essential to the health and wellbeing of our people, and delays are unacceptable,” he warned.
The Commissioner and his team visited several health centres during the tour, including PHCC Talasse, Swa, Kurjele, Wajari, and Kwadon, where he interacted with health workers, community members, and contractors to monitor progress and address challenges.
The Commissioner was accompanied by senior health officials from the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (GSPHCDA), the Gombe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (GoHealth), and the Gombe State Drug and Medical Consumables Management Agency (GODMA).
The PHC revitalisation project remains a key component of the state’s health sector reform agenda, with a focus on improving maternal and child health, expanding access to essential services, and achieving Universal Health Coverage at the grassroots.
As the oversight continues, more LGAs are expected to be visited in the coming days to ensure that standards are maintained, and that the healthcare needs of residents are adequately met.
Dairus Samson
PRO
GoHealth
