By Mahmud Gambo Sani
The recent inauguration of the Governing Boards of Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board and those of the state Ultra-Modern Specialist Hospitals (KUSH) of Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, Giginyu and Halifa Sheikh Isyaka Rabi’u Paediatric Hospital, Zoo Road was borne out of the desire to strengthen institutions in the healthcare delivery system by the state government.
In his attempt to achieve the objective, the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje performed the inauguration exercise during an Executive Council meeting held at Africa House, Government House, Kano.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to pay all the necessary attention the state healthcare system needed to succeed.
He disclosed that all those who made the Governing Boards were there based on merit.
He said: “It is part of our cardinal points, to always improve our healthcare system. Your choice is also deliberate, because we know you can deliver.”
Parts of the terms of reference given for the board of the Primary Healthcare Agency, are to maintain and coordinate all primary health activities in the state, be responsible for the coordination and planning, budgeting provisions and monitoring of all primary healthcare services and to pay salaries and allowances to primary healthcare staff in the state, among others.
He also listed, as part of the terms of reference, that the board should advise commissioner and local governments on any matter regarding primary healthcare services in the state, maintain up-to-date personnel records of all primary healthcare employees, perform inter-department or local government transfer of all categories of staff from all primary healthcare facilities and any other services applicable to the board.
As earlier announced in their appointments, the Chairman of the Board is Alhaji Wada Aliyu, the District Head of Ajingi; while Dr. Dayyabu Muhammad; Tijjani Alhaji Garba; Dr. Binta Jibir; Mukhtar Ado Yakasai, a director from Ministry of Planning and Budget; Salahuddeen Habib Isa, from Ministry for Rural and Community Development; Kubura Dankani, from Ministry for Women Affairs; a representative from Ministry for Local Governments and Dr. Ashiru Rajab, are members and Dr. Tijjani Hussaini, the Executive Secretary of the agency, is the secretary.
Terms of Reference for the Board of the Ultra-Modern Hospitals, Governor Ganduje said they should: “Provide general policies and guidelines relating to the operations of the hospitals, appoint CEOs who shall manage the affairs of the hospitals, supervise the operations and activities of the CEOs in accordance with the provisions of the law and terms of engagement and identity and set up PPP with a view to effectively and safely delivering services, among others.”
Others are equipping and ensuring the safety of the hospitals, operates its own bank account, ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of any contract entered into by the board with the CEOs, termination of any contract entered into by the board for not complying with the terms of the contract, performing such other things which in the opinion of the board are necessary to ensure efficiency of the functions of the hospitals and the governor may confer on the board any additional functions or powers as he deems fit.
Prof. Yusuf D. Sabo is the Chairman of the board, while the members are Dr. Hadiza Ashiru, Dr. Abdullahi Kauranmata, from Ministry of Health, Zahraddeen Lawan, from Ministry of Finance, Engr. Murtala A. Garba, from Due Process Office, Hajiya Bilkisu Maimota, from Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Hajiya Hama Ali Aware, from Kano Investment Promotion Agency, Hajiya Hafsat Kolo, from civil society organisations, Alhaji Kabiru Nassarawa from the private sector, Sanusi Ali Sadiq from ANAN/ICAN and Madam Comfort Onwuegbuna from women organisations.
All chairmen of the boards thanked the governor for the appointment and assured that they would do their best to perform well, looking at the confidence reposed in them.
