KHETFUND Conducts Funding Verification for Post-Basic Nurse Anaesthesia Qualifying Examination

By Maryam Abubakar Tukur 

In a significant move to strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has, on Thursday 16th October 2025, conducted a post-funding verification of a key intervention at Umaru Ringim School of Post-Basic Nurse Anaesthesia, which is located at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in the metropolis.

As a part of its regular interventions to the state-owned health institutions, the KHETFUND has, on 11th July 2025, released the sum of N2.01 million to URSPBAN as a support dedicated to the conduct of the final qualifying examination (re-sit) for post-basic nurse candidates. This crucial financial backing underscores KHETFUND's commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through the advancement of specialized nursing education and professional development.

Speaking on the importance of the intervention during the visit, the Executive Secretary of Kano State Health Trust Fund Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen said the successful conduct of the examination will empower a new cadre of skilled Nurse Anaesthetists, contributing significantly to the healthcare workforce and improving surgical care quality across Kano State and beyond.

"The Post-Basic Nurse Anaesthesia program represents a vital pathway for nurses seeking to specialize in anaesthesia care, a critical component of surgical and emergency medical services. The final qualifying examination serves as a benchmark for competency, ensuring that successful candidates meet the highest standards of clinical expertise and patient safety," the Executive Secretary explained.

 “We recognize the importance of specialized nursing roles such as Nurse Anaesthetists in improving patient outcomes. By supporting the final qualifying examination re-sitting, we are investing in the future of healthcare professionals who will deliver critical care services across our communities," she added.

In response, the Director of Umaru Ringim School Post-Post-Basic Nurse Anaesthesia commended KHETFUND for the intervention, which he described as timely, adding that the outcome of the re-sit examination was 100%.

"This intervention has affirmed the dedication and commitment of the leadership of KHETFUND, with a view to revolutionizing the health sector through the provision of quality healthcare in Kano State," the school Director attested.

...KHETFUND is everywhere, within the state, within the health sector.

KHETFUND Pledges to Continue Strengthening Institutions Through Funding for Accreditations of Health Courses

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

The Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has expressed its determination to continue strengthening the health institutions in the state through strategic funding support.

The Executive Secretary of KHETFUND Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen disclosed this on Wednesday 15th October 2025 during a post-funding verification visit to School of Health Technology Kano for the accreditation of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programs by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

The Executive Secretary highlighted that the verification visit is a critical milestone in ensuring that the School of Health Technology Kano meets the stringent educational standards required by NBTE, thereby affirming the quality and credibility of its programs.

"We, at KHETFUND, are dedicated to improving the quality of education and health services in Kano State through strategic funding, capacity building, and partnership with educational institutions and healthcare facilities," the Executive Secretary declared.

"The KHETFUND’s intervention underscores the commitment of the Kano State government, under the stewardship of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to support quality education and health workforce development in the state"

The KHETFUND released the sum of N4 million to School of Health Technology Kano on 23rd June 2025 as regular intervention for the NBTE accreditation.

Dr. Zahraddeen commended the leadership of the school for their commitment to maintaining high standards of education in the health sector, attributing the development to the remarkable efforts of the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, to revolutionize the health sector through strategic reforms, which includes enhancing educational standards and health training across the state.

"We are pleased with the progress of the School of Health Technology Kano. The NBTE accreditation will enable the institution to officially offer National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certifications recognized nationwide. It will also significantly boost the employability and professional competency of graduates."

Responding, the Principal of School of Health Technology Kano Rakiya Mukhtar expressed gratitude to KHETFUND for the supporting the institution, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining high educational standards and producing skilled health professionals capable of contributing effectively to the state's healthcare sector.

 “The KHETFUND funding for the NBTE accreditation of both National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programs at School of Health Technology Kano is a testament to the Fund’s commitment and unwavering dedication to support the dessimination of quality education in the state, as the accreditation will elevate the status of the institution and guarantees that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare industry," he observed.

"The accreditation is critical for this institution, as it enables us to award recognized diplomas that enhance the employability and professional development of its students. With the verified funding and accreditation, the school is positioned to expand its training capacity, introduce modern teaching methodologies, and strengthen its role in supporting the nation’s healthcare workforce," the Principal added..

The School of Health Technology Kano is a leading institution dedicated to training skilled health professionals through accredited National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programs. The school emphasizes practical skills, ethical standards, and innovative approaches to meet the healthcare needs of the state residents and the nation at large.

...KHETFUND is everywhere, within the state, within the health sector.

Dr. Zahraddeen Conducts Verification for Accreditation of Family Medicine Program at Murtala Specialist Hospital

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

As a part of the ongoing post-funding verification exercise of interventions to government agencies, healthcare facilities and state-owned health institutions, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) team has visited Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Tuesday, to ensure effective utilization of allocated resources and the successful implementation of funded healthcare initiatives..

 

Speaking, the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND Dr.Fatima Usman Zahraddeen said they were at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital for the post-funding verification of a significant intervention where the Fund disbursed the sum of N4.6 million for the accreditation of the Family Medicine Residency Training program.. 

Reitrating the KHETFUND's commitment to impactful funding, the ES stated that the intervention is in tandem with the Kano State Government's broader agenda to improve healthcare access, reduce dependency on external referrals, and ensure the availability of qualified family physicians across rural and urban communities.

“This is a significant investment in the future of our healthcare system. By ensuring the proper accreditation of Family Medicine programs, we are not only building a pipeline of highly qualified physicians but also reinforcing our commitment to sustainable healthcare development in Kano State.”

The intervention, disbursed in June 2024, is crucial for meeting the rigorous criteria required for the accreditation of the Family Medicine Residency Training set by the West African College of Physicians (WACP).

Speaking on the essence of the verification exercise, Dr. Zahraddeen said the post-funding assessment is a catalyst for health sector improvement across the state, and it is critical to ensuring the intervention delivers real, measurable impact.

She assured that KHETFUND will continue working in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that all health sector interventions are people-centred, impactful, and aligned with the state’s strategic health development goals.

Receiving the delegation, Dr. Husaini Muhammad, the Chief Medical Director of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, expressed gratitude for the intervention:

“KHETFUND’s support has not only improved our service capacity but also marks a critical step in strengthening healthcare delivery and expanding specialist medical training within Kano State. It has positioned us as a center of excellence for family medicine training in northern Nigeria. This is a game changer for healthcare delivery in the region. We are proud to see this hospital achieving both service expansion and academic accreditation under the KHETFUND 2024 regular intervention,” the CMD stressed.

Following the strategic allocation of funds for healthcare interventions, the KHETFUND is conducting rigorous post-funding verification visitations to beneficiary agencies, facilities, and institutions to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process, as in line with operational mandate of the Fund.

The Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf is spearheading the health sector reform agenda in Kano State, which prioritizes capacity building, retention of medical professionals, and improved access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.

....KHETFUND is everywhere, within the state, within the health sector.

Kano DMCSA Offsets ₦980 Million Out of ₦1.17 Billion Debt, Boosts Drug Availability Across State

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has announced a significant financial milestone, having paid off ₦980 million out of the ₦1.17 billion debt it inherited from the previous administration.

This achievement reflects the agency’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, operational transparency, and the revitalization of healthcare service delivery in Kano State.

Speaking at 8th Quarterly Review Meeting held at the conference hall of the agency, the Director-General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule said the debt repayment was made possible through proper employment of transparency and accountability mechanisms, as well as strategic financial reforms.

“When we assumed office in July 2023, the agency was in a precarious financial state — operating at a deficit and burdened by massive unpaid obligations to suppliers,” said Pharm. Sule. “Today, I’m proud to announce that ₦980 million out of the ₦1.17 billion inherited debt has been cleared, and the DMCSA is now on a stable financial footing.”

Pharm. Sule reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to fully clear the remaining debt balance and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in the public health sector.

“This is not just a financial recovery. It is a transformation. We’re building a DMCSA that is accountable, efficient, and people-centered,” he said.

He further listed some of the notable achievements recorded at DMCSA, including the increase in drug availability at public health facilities, which has improved from 30% to 97%, and the affordability component, where the prices of government-supplied drugs and consumables are now 40% cheaper than in the open market.

He also pointed out that the agency’s fund value rose from a negative ₦102 million in July 2023 to ₦377 million as of September 2025.

The DG listed some of the support his agency received from partners during the period under review, stating:

"The support we have received in this quarter include the one from the Gates Foundation, through its implementing partner the Capacity for Sustainable Development (C4SD), for the implementation of Intergrated Last-Mile Delivery (iLMD), and a donation of Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) tools from the Canadian Government's Nutrition International.

"We also received support during the tender evaluation process from the UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office FCDO-Lafiya Programme, and a donation of electric stacker from Jawa International Ltd," Pharm. asserted.

Declaring the review meeting opened, the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf congratulated the DMCSA leadership for the remarkable improvements recorded.

He then commended the partners for their unflinching support to the health sector and Kano State in general, assuring them of proper utilization of the tools and equipment donated to the DMCSA.

Kano Government Approves N233 Million for Procurement of Laboratory Equipment for DMCSA

By Farouk Isa Musa 

As part of the government's ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery systems across the state, the Kano State Executive Council has approved the sum of N233 million for the procurement of advanced laboratory equipment for the newly remodelled modern Quality Control Laboratory located at the Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), 

This strategic investment is aimed at enhancing the agency's capacity to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of all drugs and medical consumables distributed within Kano State. With the new equipment, DMCSA will be equipped to conduct thorough laboratory analyses and meet both national and international standards in pharmaceutical quality control.

This was made known by the Director-General of DMCSA Pharm. Gali Sule while speaking during a Quarterly Review Meeting held Monday at the conference hall of the agency.

Pharm. Sule stated that this initiative demonstrates the state's resolve to uphold the highest standards in public health and drug safety. “This approval underscores the commitment of Kano State government under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to safeguarding the health of Kano citizens by ensuring that only high-quality drugs are available in our healthcare facilities."

According to him, after the procurement and installation, the personnel will be trained on the use of the new laboratory equipment, which includes modern analytical and diagnostic tools crucial for testing medical supplies.

The DG also highlighted that courtesy of reforms and initiatives at DMCSA, the agency has now been accredited as an internship training center by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

Declaring the review meeting opened, the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf noted that the upgrade of the DMCSA laboratory aligns with the Kano State Government’s broader agenda to improve healthcare infrastructure, promote local capacity development, and ensure accountability and transparency in the medical supply chain.

He further assured that the government remains dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for all residents of Kano State.

HEALTH ADVISORY ON LASSA FEVER (LF)

Issued by: Director General, Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC)

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has issued a public health advisory alerting residents to the onset of the 2025/2026 Lassa Fever season across Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by the Director General of KNCDC, Dr. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, the advisory follows a national alert from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) warning of increased risk of Lassa Fever transmission during the period between October and May.

Lassa Fever, a viral haemorrhagic disease, is transmitted through contact with food, water, or household items contaminated by the urine or faeces of infected rodents. Person-to-person transmission may also occur through contact with the blood or body fluids of infected individuals.

Dr. Abbas explained that Kano’s ecological and environmental conditions make the state vulnerable to potential outbreaks, urging citizens to maintain high levels of hygiene and adhere to preventive measures.

The advisory stated that Residents should keep their surroundings clean, store food in covered containers, and block all possible rodent entry points. 

Anyone experiencing persistent fever or related symptoms should report immediately to the nearest health facility .

The symptoms of Lassa Fever include fever that does not respond to treatment, sore throat, chest or abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and unexplained bleeding from any part of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment, according to health officials, greatly improve survival chances.

As part of preparedness measures, the Kano State Government has activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) for Lassa Fever response. The state has also begun pre-positioning essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), antivirals, and training for health workers on case management and infection prevention.

Community sensitization campaigns and rodent control exercises are also ongoing in high-risk local government areas as part of the state’s “One Health” response strategy, which integrates environmental and agricultural sectors.

The KNCDC appealed to residents to report any suspected case promptly through designated surveillance channels rather than attempting home treatment.

 Dr. Abbas assured that Lassa Fever is preventable and treatable when detected early added that together, we can keep Kano State free from Lassa Fever this season.

Residents can contact KNCDC through 07077974507 or via kanocdc@gmail.com for reports and inquiries. National emergency lines are also available through NCDC Connect Centre at 6232 (toll-free) or WhatsApp 0708 711 0839.

Kano Health Ministry Hosts iLMD Review Meeting to Strengthen Health Supply Chain Efficiency

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

In a significant step towards improving access to essential health commodities across Kano State, key stakeholders convened for a high-level Integrated Last-Mile Delivery (iLMD) and Requisition Review Meeting aimed at assessing current supply chain processes and reinforcing collaboration among partners.

The meeting, held at Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano, was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Capacity 4 Sustainable Development (C4SD), and it brought together key stakeholders including top officials from the ministry and its relevant agencies, as well as representatives of Essential Drug Officers, MCH Coordinators, representatives of In-state team, Zonal Warehouse Managers, Transborder Logistics, warehouse store officers both at central and zonal levels, some members of the DMCSA fleet unit, and implementing partners. The session focused on evaluating the performance of the last-mile delivery system, validating requisitions from facilities, and identifying bottlenecks in the distribution of commodities.

The meeting sets out to provide updates on stock positioning and integrated last-mile delivery activities. It also aims to identify operational gaps and develop practical solutions to ensure effective implementation and to agree on actionable next steps, with clear timelines and designated responsible persons to drive progress.

In her welcome address, the Family Planning Coordinator, Dr Aisha Barka, welcomed all participants to the meeting and wished for a fruitful deliberation.  

In his opening remarks, the Director Pharmaceutical Services and Chairman State Sustainable Health Commodity Supply System Committee (SHCSS-C) Pharm. Kamilu Mudi Salisu emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to last-mile delivery, noting that “timely access to health commodities is critical to achieving universal health coverage in Kano State.”

Calling for proper documentation of all that had been done on supply chain management in the state, the DPS noted that Kano State Government remains committed to strengthening its health supply chain systems in line with national guidelines and global best practices.

In his contribution, Dr. Ibrahim Aliyu Muhammad, the Director Public Health and Disease Control at the State Ministry of Health called on participants and other stakeholders to highlight their achievements and successes in supply chain activities through research and the presentation of well-developed conference papers. He further emphasized the need to strengthen existing frameworks to promote transparency and ensure accountability in commodity management.

During the meeting, resource persons, including Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, Director, the Drugs and Supply at Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) and Bello Muhammad Dandago, SSHCSS-C Focal Person at the State Primary Health Care Management Board, made presentations on fleet management operations, requisition management, as well as iLMD activities - family planning and essential medicines.

Later the participants have robust discussions on how to reconcile health facility commodity requisitions with actual needs and consumption data, evaluate stock status and delivery timelines, address challenges in logistics coordination and data reporting, and strengthen accountability mechanisms across all levels of the health supply chain.

Delivering goodwill messages, the representatives from development partners, such as the Africa Resource Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM), reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state’s efforts to ensure equitable and efficient distribution of health commodities.

On his part, the State Team Lead, C4SD, expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting will inform strategic adjustments in supply planning and delivery schedules, as well as guide continuous capacity building for logistics personnel at the Local Government Areas and facility levels. He also assured C4SD's determination to ensure commodity accountability in line with the state's accountability framework and work closely with the state’s programs and supply chain leadership to ensure remarkable improvements in the state's supply chain.

While outlining the next steps, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Pharm. Abdullahi A. Danzabuwa re-emphasized that the iLMD initiative has come to stay in the state.