Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has flagged off the distribution of free maternal drugs worth over N800 million to five general hospitals in the state for maternal healthcare services.
The distribution was conducted on Thursday, 7 September, 2023 at the Borno State Medical Store in Maiduguri.
The benefitting hospitals are State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, Mohammed Shuwa Memorial Hospital, Umaru Shehu Ultra Modern Hospital, Mariam Abatcha Children Hospital and Molai General Hospital. They will in addition to the drugs, each receive N5 million grant. The Specialist Hospital which is the biggest would get additional N5 million (make its total grant N10 million).
Zulum in his speech, said: “Today we are here to launch the distribution of maternal drugs and other items needed in the maternal section of some of our hospitals to the most vulnerable population in the state. This will reduce maternal mortality and will also increase child care in the state.”
The governor also distributed surgical and laboratory equipment to enhance healthcare service delivery to citizens of Borno State.
He charged the Hospital Management Board to be more dedicated to their duties, stating that: “I want to appeal to all of you who are working in the health sector to be more patient and more dedicated so that government will come to your aid. We will address the issues of your offices such as call allowances and other welfare.”
Zulum however warned that his administration would not tolerate workers’ ineptitude.
“We have invested hugely in the health sector within the last four years, but unfortunately we couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. This time around we shall not condone laxity on the part of staff from top to bottom. We must sanitize the system, we cannot afford to play with our healthcare system,” he warned.
Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Mallam Gana; and the Chief Medical Director, Professor Bukar Kullima, separately expressed gratitude to the Governor for his commitment and support to the health sector in Borno State.
