The Kaduna State Government has commenced the rehabilitation of 17 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) into Centres of Excellence and deployed standard tricycle ambulances to healthcare facilities to strengthen emergency referrals in rural and underserved communities.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Abdulkadir Mu’azu Mayere, disclosed this on Wednesday at the groundbreaking ceremony for the projects.

Mayere said the initiatives reflected Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to residents regardless of their location or status.

He said the upgrade would go beyond physical renovation to include infrastructure improvements, medical equipment, essential medicines and better service delivery.

“Our objective is clear: when a citizen walks into a government health facility, that citizen should find a functional facility, competent health workers, essential medicines and a system that responds with dignity and respect,” he said.

Mayere described primary healthcare as the foundation of human capital development and sustainable economic growth, noting that PHCs serve as the first point of contact for antenatal care, immunisation, treatment of common illnesses and early disease detection.

He said the 17 Centres of Excellence would serve as stronger healthcare hubs within local government areas, supporting surrounding facilities, improving referrals and clinical standards, and providing platforms for continuous learning.

The SSG, a medical doctor, said the deployment of ambulances would strengthen emergency referrals and reduce delays in accessing higher-level medical care.

“An ambulance is not simply a vehicle. It is an important link in the continuum of care,” he said, warning that delays in referrals could have serious consequences in cases involving maternal and newborn emergencies, trauma and severe infections.

Mayere, however, stressed that the ambulances must be supported by effective management systems, including clear referral protocols, trained personnel, fuel, maintenance, communication and monitoring.

He said the impact of the investments would be measured through improved access to antenatal and maternity services, childhood immunisation, faster emergency referrals, availability of essential medicines and increased patient satisfaction.

He also called on ministries, departments and agencies, local government authorities, facility managers and community structures to ensure accountability in the implementation and management of the projects.

Mayere urged Ward Development Committees and community leaders to protect the facilities and provide feedback to the government, stressing that the groundbreaking ceremony marked only the beginning of the process.
“Our vision is not simply to build more facilities. Our vision is to build a health system that people can trust,” he said.

He commended development partners, the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board and health workers for their contributions to strengthening the state’s healthcare system.