Bauchi Hosts Northern Traditional Leaders to Strengthen Primary Healthcare Delivery
By Abbas Usman, Bauchi
Considering the importance of Primary Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria and particularly the Northern region, Traditional leaders from the Nineteen Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have gathered in the City of Bauchi, Bauchi State for a Quarterly Review Meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery.
The meeting which took place at the Banquet Hall of Bauchi Government House on Wednesday was aimed at reviewing the progress and proffering solutions to the challenges in healthcare service delivery while working with critical stakeholders.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchí State who declared the meeting open, through the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Ibrahim Kashim expressed confidence that resolutions of the meeting would facilitate effective healthcare service delivery across the region.
He proudly announced that his administration had since complied with and is still adhering to the Abuja declaration of fifteen percent budgetary allocation to the health sector.
He also acknowledged the role of traditional and religious leaders in actualizing the establishment of over three hundred primary healthcare centers across the state.
The Governor expressed gratitude and thanks to the organizers and stakeholders of the all important meeting under the Patronship of the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III for finding Bauchi worthy of hosting such caliber of traditional leaders from across Northern Nigeria to add value to primary healthcare delivery in the region .
“infact we are delighted and proud and wish you successful deliberation,” He prayed.
In a remark, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, re- emphasized and assured of the Federal government’s readiness to consolidate provision of various health intervention initiatives in the interest of citizens.
He said President Bala Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that Nigerians are happy and appreciated the role being played by traditional leaders in ensuring the actualization of the primary healthcare delivery services.
He however, appealed to Northern Religious to support President Bola Tinubu and his administration with prayers to succeed.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina stressed the importance of collective efforts in improving primary healthcare delivery.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar who is also the Patron of the Northern Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery, commended the Federal and State Governments for their partnership with the committee in addressing challenges in the sector.
He assured that they will continue to put in their to support the federal government to achieve its desire to better the lives of Nigerians.
