Commissioning of the sickle cell centre

All praise be to Allah, the Beneficent and the Most Merciful for having this opportunity to be here today for the commissioning of the sickle cell center in General Hospital Katsina and the commencement of the distribution of sickle cell drugs for the month of September, 2024. No doubt, this intervention is aligned to my administration's agenda priority of ensuring health and well-being of people living in Katsina State.

As we all know, health is a top priority of this administration. From inception to date, this administration has recorded numerous achievements in the health sector. Few of these achievements include the followings:

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Marked increase (over 800%) in funds release to the health sector. The state government spent over 3 billion to enhance health services across the state. Approval for the commencement of residency programme in the state-owned hospitals.

Upgrade and full implementation of the new residency training allowances for medical doctors in the state.

Award of foreign scholarship to students who attended public schools in the state to study Medicine, Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology.

Release of over 100 million Naira as allowances to over 546 Katsina State medical students both at home and abroad.

The state government had secured 10 containers of medical supplies worth over 10 million USD from the world medical relief headquarters.

Construction and commissioning of a 16-bed capacity state of the art dialysis center at General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital.

Release of over 700 million Naira for the completion of Kafur General Hospital. Upgrade of both Colleges of Nursing Sciences and College of Health Sciences to offer Post graduation courses.

Release of over 500 million Naira for the upgrade of Faskari comprehensive health centre to general hospital status.

Upgrade of comprehensive health centers in Charanachi to General Hospital.

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Construction of Medical Diagnostic and Imaging center. Provision of alternative solar power supply to the stateowned health care facilities.

Katsina State Government is committed to cooperate with partners, non-governmental organization and other donor agencies for the implementation of interventions that will impact on the lives of its citizens.

I wish to commend the Founder/Chairperson of the Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative (SASHIN) for the support and other life - saving services the organization rendered to the people living in Katsina State.

The commissioning of the sickle cell centre today, along with the launching of distribution of free drugs to the sickle cell clients is a clear testimony to the commitment of this non-governmental organization in supporting the state's government effort to address numerous health challenges facing people living in Katsina State.

Let me assure you that Katsina State Government is committed to provide enabling environment and necessary support for all the partners, non-governmental organization and other donor agencies that are supporting the state.

In order to optimize resources, ensure equity and efficiency, Katsina State Government have established appropriate framework for coordination, monitoring and evaluation of programmes implemented by government and donor partners in the state. This will track program performance and will be used for evidenced based decisions. ile appreciating Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative (SASHIN) me assure you of Katsina State Government continued support id commitment in the implementation of all programmes that will Buch the lives and well-being of people living in the state.

Special appreciation to our traditional leaders for their overwhelming support to the State Government in all its programmes. Similarly, I wish thank our religious leaders for their support towards the success of this program.

At this juncture in the name of Allah, the Beneficent and the Most Merciful, I hereby commissioned the Sickle Cell Centre and launch the commencement of the September, 2024 distribution of the sickle cell drugs for the sickle cell disease clients. NOR May Allah SWT protect, and bless Katsina state.

Alhamdulillah.

Assalamu Alaikum.