Sokoto: The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, inaugurated 16 projects at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Kware, Sokoto State. These initiatives are part of the strategic vision and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, focusing on empowering health institutions.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Salako emphasized that the projects include a Molecular Laboratory, Intensive Care Unit, and a Regional Women and Children Drug Dependency Treatment Centre, among others. The completion of these projects is a testament to the management’s judicious use of allocated resources, aiming to enhance patient outcomes.
The Federal Government has also completed over 500 infrastructural projects across various federal tertiary health institutions. Salako highlighted the employment of over 15,000 health workers and ongoing professional training as part of the government’s holistic approach to healthcare.
The government is addressing power challenges in health institutions by implementing alternative power mechanisms, aiming to utilize renewable energy sources like solar. Plans for a National Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector are underway to attract more investments.
A Social Action Fund has been approved to empower communities to implement health-promoting projects. Additionally, the ‘Renewed Hope Health Connect’ initiative aims to provide healthcare services to one million vulnerable Nigerians.
The ministry has begun implementing the Nigerian National Mental Health Act, 2023, integrating mental healthcare into primary health services, and working to decriminalize suicide and eliminate stigmatisation.
Dr. Faruku Wurno, Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, acknowledged the state’s partnership with FNPH Kware, emphasizing the integrated healthcare system. Bishop Hassan Kukah and the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by Alhaji Muhammadu Dan’iya, praised the hospital’s developmental strides.
Prof. Shehu Sale, Medical Director of FNPH Kware, highlighted the hospital’s transformation, emphasizing the availability of competent manpower and necessary equipment. He commended President Tinubu’s efforts to make healthcare efficient, effective, and accessible.
