Kaduna Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Decaying Hospitals, Demand Urgent Intervention
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly have raised alarm over the worsening condition of government hospitals, warning that without urgent intervention the state’s health sector risks total collapse.
The lawmakers made the observation during an inspection of health facilities in Kagarko and Chikun Local Government Areas, conducted in partnership with the Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative, with support from the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development and Engender Health Consortium Partners.
Leading the delegation, the Minority Leader of the Assembly, Hon. Ali Kalat (Jema’a Constituency), said the exercise was part of a broader assessment across all 23 LGAs. He described the state of most hospitals as appalling.
“Leaking roofs, broken windows, dilapidated wards, and poorly equipped theatres, laboratories and pharmacies were common features across the hospitals. Patients and staff are exposed to untold hardship because these facilities are not fit to provide quality healthcare services,” Kalat said, lamenting what he called the absence of a maintenance culture in public infrastructure.
At the General Hospital, Kagarko, the Medical Director said the facility required a complete overhaul, citing severe personnel shortages and leaking structures. Patients shared their frustration, with one mother, Hajiya Rabi Gambo, complaining about the lack of functional toilets and shelter during rainfall. A nurse, who asked not to be named, revealed that some staff were forced to buy drugs and basic equipment from their own pockets to save patients.
The story was similar at the Primary Health Centre, Jere, where Chief Health Officer, Mrs. Abigail Nuhu, disclosed that the centre had been without electricity for two years and lacked water supply, toilets, and staff quarters.
However, at the General Hospital, Sabo in Chikun LGA, the Medical Director, Dr. Dsekome, commended Governor Uba Sani for upgrading the facility. He noted, however, that the hospital was overstretched by the influx of patients from surrounding communities. He also raised concern about threats to medical personnel and stressed the urgent need for more bed spaces and manpower.
At the Primary Health Centre, Sabo Tasha, officials lamented poor road access to the facility and appealed for government attention.
The lawmakers assured residents that their concerns would be taken to the Assembly and promised to push for increased budgetary allocation to health in the next fiscal year.
