KHETFUND Emphasizes Judicious Use of Health Funds During Post-Funding Verification of Interventions

By Frank Pinicop 

The Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has restated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective utilization of health resources as it undertakes the Post-Funding Verification (PFV) process for interventions financed through the Agency. 

The Executive Secretary of the Fund Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen made this known when she led her management team to Kano State Government House Hospital for Post-Funding Verification of interventions funded by the Agency.

The Executive Secretary said they embarked on the verification exercise to government health agencies, institutions, and facilities to ensure that all allocated health funds disbursed to them are judiciously managed to maximize the impact on the well-being of Kano State residents.

The three major interventions facilitated by the KHETFUND to Government House Hospital from June 2024 to May this year include the procurement of critical theater equipment worth N15.7 million, the procurement of laboratory equipment costing N11.4 million, and financing for the procurement and installation of electronic medical record worth N7.7 million.

Dr. Zahraddeen explained that since the inception of the present administration headed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, KHETFUND has been dedicated to supporting innovative and sustainable health interventions aimed at improving health outcomes across Kano State.

Shading more light on the purpose of the visit, the ES affirmed that the Post-Funding Verification exercise is a vital mechanism that enables KHETFUND to monitor and evaluate how resources are utilized by beneficiaries, verifying compliance with funding agreements, and assessing the tangible benefits delivered to target communities.

“Effective stewardship of public health funds is paramount to building a resilient health system,” she noted, adding that “Through rigorous Post-Funding Verification, we ensure that every naira spent translates into real, measurable improvements in health services and outcomes for the people of Kano.”

She finally called on all key stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of financial discipline and operational efficiency so as to contribute to the sustainable development of Kano State’s health sector.

Speaking while receiving the KHETFUND team, the Chief Medical Director Government House Hospital, Dr. Abubakar Musa Yakubu commended the ES for the visit, which he described as an avenue that will help in identifying opportunities for improving future interventions.

He added that the visit was a testament to the Fund’s dedication to accountability and its vision of a healthier Kano for all, as it remains committed to strengthening health systems through prudent management of resources and evidence-based interventions. 

The CMD then pledged to continue working closely with KHETFUND and other relevant stakeholders, including health facilities, community leaders, and development partners, to foster a culture of transparency and continuous improvement.

KHETFUND Team Visits HMB for Post-Funding Verification Exercise

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

As part of its ongoing Post-Funding Verification (PFV) visitations to agencies under the State Miniistry of Health, government-owned healthcare facilities, and health institutions, the management team of Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has, Wednesday 24th September, visited the Hospitals Management Board to assess some key funded projects and interventions.

The Executive  Secretary of KHETFUND Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, who led the team, said they were at the Hospitals Management Board to formally assess the implementation of funded projects to ensure that the services were delivered as reported.

The funded interventions verified by the KHETFUND during the visit include the procurement of maternal and child healthcare commodities worth over N20m, procured from February to June this year, which are distributed to patients for free at health facilities.

The other project, according to the Executive Secretary, is funding for the software development for staff audit and tracking, which cost N8 million.

Speaking on the essence of the visit, Dr. Zahraddeen, who was represented by the Director Admin and General Services, Mal. Sadik Bala said the objectives of the exercise are to validate the proper use of funds, strengthen future funding decisions, and build transparency and trust with stakeholders and the general public.

“We owe it to the good people of Kano State, being the communities we serve, that we will ensure that every kobo spent delivers on its promise. Post-Funding Verification allows us to course-correct, improve, and remain accountable,” she stressed.

The ES further added that the Post-Funding Verification is a standard part of the KHETFUND's accountability framework and ensures that funds disbursed to agencies, facilities and health institutions have been used efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with approved program objectives.

“Post-Funding Verification is not just an administrative requirement—it’s a cornerstone of our commitment to good governance, value for money, and public trust,” she asserted.

Receiving the delegation, the Executive Secretary, Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda expressed his appreciation for KHETFUND’s timely interventions, adding that the visit is a testament to the KHETFUND’s proactive approach to ensure that its interventions are impactful, sustainable, and judiciously used, as in line with the State Government’s vision for improved healthcare services.

Pledging effective utilization of the resources, Dr. Nagoda commended the unwavering commitment of KHETFUND's Executive Secretary in strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.

During the visit, the KHETFUND and HMB teams proceeded to the Drug Management and Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), where they inspected the free maternal and child health care (MCH) items recently procured by the Board through KHETFUND’s intervention.

Kano DMCSA Concludes Tender Bid Evaluation Process

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

The Kano State Drug and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has successfully concluded the evaluation of tender bids submitted for the procurement of drugs and medical consumables for the 2025/2026 cycle.

The bid evaluation process, which began on 17th September, was conducted in accordance with the due process and guidelines of regulatory bodies such as the Kano State Ministry of Public Procurement, Project Monitoring and Evaluation and the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and accountability. The exercise was aimed at selecting qualified suppliers who can ensure the uninterrupted supply of quality-assured medicines and consumables to public health facilities across the state.

Speaking on the conclusion of the exercise, the Director-General of DMCSA, Pharm. Gali Sule emphasized the importance of the procurement process in sustaining the state’s commitment to improved healthcare delivery.

“We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the tender evaluation exercise. This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the supply chain and ensure that every citizen of Kano has access to affordable, safe, and effective drugs and other healthcare commodities. We thank all stakeholders for their cooperation and the bidders for their participation.”

A total of 108 companies submitted bids, and after a rigorous evaluation by a multidisciplinary committee, successful vendors were shortlisted based on criteria including product quality, regulatory compliance, delivery timelines, and value for money.

The DMCSA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the selected suppliers adhere strictly to the contractual terms and continue to meet the agency’s standards throughout the implementation phase.

The results of the bid evaluation will be formally communicated to all participating vendors, and the contract award process will commence immediately, in line with procurement regulations.

The DMCSA is a public sector agency responsible for the procurement, warehousing, and distribution of quality medicines and medical consumables for public health facilities across Kano State. The agency plays a central role in ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare commodities for the people of Kano.

The six-day workshop was organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the UK Government's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Programme.

KHETFUND Supports College of Health Science & Technology With Over ₦2 Million For Staff Study Tour

By Maryam Garba Balarabe 

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening healthcare education and institutional capacity, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has provided a generous support grant of ₦2,125,000 million to the Kano State College of Health Science and Technology, aimed at facilitating staff study tours designed to improve capacity building and knowledge sharing. The study tour, which is set to benefit key academic and administrative staff, is part of a broader initiative by the Fund to strengthen healthcare delivery in Kano through investments in human capital development.

The institutions visited by the staff members of the College during the multi-institutional tour to observe best practices, curriculum innovations, and training models in other reputable health training institutions within Nigeria, include the Colleges of Health Sciences and Technology, Ningi in Bauchi State, that of Damaturu in Yobe State, and Kaltungo in Gombe State.

Speaking during a Post-Funding Verification visit to the college premises, the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND, Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, who was represented by the Head of Account Alh. Abdulmalik Kabir emphasized the Fund’s commitment to revitalizing health education and services in the state.

“This support is part of our mandate to enhance the quality of healthcare by investing in the people who deliver it. By exposing our educators to new ideas and successful models, we are ensuring that Kano remains at the forefront of health science education in Nigeria,” the Executive Secretary stated.

The Principal of the College, who spoke through the Bursar Alh. Abdullahi Dalhat, expressed deep appreciation for the Fund’s intervention, noting that the tour will go a long way in equipping staff with new methodologies and pedagogical tools that will improve teaching outcomes.

"This is a strategic investment that will have a ripple effect on the quality of our graduates and, by extension, on healthcare services in Kano and beyond. We commend KHETFUND for their foresight and support,” the Bursar added.

The Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) continues to play a vital role in supporting public health institutions in Kano through grants, infrastructure development, and training initiatives—all geared toward strengthening the healthcare system and achieving universal health coverage in the state.

It was established to support healthcare development in Kano State through sustainable financing mechanisms, with a focus on improving infrastructure, capacity building, and service delivery in the health sector.

My Journey as DG Kano DMCSA

By Pharmacist Gali Sule

Today, I wish to shed light on our collective journey of reform and progress at the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA). When I assumed office in July 2023 under the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Executive Governor of Kano State, the Agency was in dire straits. We inherited a negative fund balance of over ₦102 million, an overwhelming debt burden of ₦1.178 billion, and a stock availability level of barely 30%, leaving our government-owned health facilities exposed to dangerous shortages of essential drugs and medical consumables.

With the political will of the Governor, the support of the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, and the dedication of our team, we embarked on a historic turnaround. Through decisive reforms and transparent financial management, DMCSA successfully reversed the negative balance and, by June 2025, had raised its fund value to ₦334.5 million, recording consistent quarterly growth. Stock availability improved from the precarious 30% we inherited to a sustained 97% since June 2024, guaranteeing patients across tertiary, secondary, and primary facilities access to affordable, safe, and quality medicines. Furthermore, the inherited debt has been systematically reduced by nearly 80%, now standing at ₦251.8 million—a testament to disciplined stewardship.

Our reforms extended beyond finances. We institutionalized quarterly stock counts, strengthened accountability systems, and integrated Family Planning (FP) and Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) commodities into our supply chain. We expanded our stock keeping units (SKUs) to improve access and secured a pharma-grade warehouse. In addition, His Excellency graciously approved the remodeling of our laboratory into a modern Quality Control Laboratory, along with facilities for extemporaneous drug preparation.

The Agency’s credibility has been renewed, earning eight awards of excellence from professional bodies and pharmaceutical manufacturers within a short span. These recognitions affirm that DMCSA is not just recovering but thriving as a model of accountability and efficiency in drug supply chain management.

I must emphasize that these achievements are not mine alone. They are the result of the enabling environment created by His Excellency Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose vision and commitment to health sector reforms have been pivotal. Likewise, the steadfast support of the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has been instrumental in repositioning the Agency as a reliable backbone of healthcare delivery in Kano State.

Together, we have demonstrated that with integrity, transparency, and the right leadership, institutions can be rebuilt and made to serve the people effectively. The DMCSA remains committed to sustaining these gains and ensuring that no patient in Kano State is denied access to essential medicines.

Pharmacist Gali Sule, FPSN, is the Director General Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA)

Kano Drug Agency Begins Tender Bid Evaluation

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has commenced the official tender evaluation process for the procurement of drugs and medical consumables. The bids were received in response to the agency's recent public advertisement for the supply of drugs and medical consumables. The evaluation exercise follows a transparent and competitive bidding process aimed at enhancing access to quality healthcare across the state.

The evaluation exercise, which is organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Programme and began Wednesday, 17th September 2025, is a critical phase in the Agency’s procurement cycle and underscores the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and value for money in public health procurement

Speaking at the opening of the evaluation exercise, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Pharm. Aminu Bashir, who represented the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf emphasized the importance of due diligence in the selection of qualified suppliers who meet the technical, financial, and regulatory requirements, stressing the agency’s commitment to transparency and integrity.

 

“We are committed to selecting only qualified, credible, and competent suppliers that can meet our stringent quality standards. This process ensures that public funds are used efficiently and that the people of Kano have consistent access to quality medicines and consumables,” said the PS..

“Our goal is to ensure that only competent and credible suppliers are engaged to provide high-quality medical products to our health facilities. This process is being carried out in line with the Public Procurement Act and international best practices,” Pharm. Bashir added. 

Earlier, in his welcome address, Pharm. Gali Sule, the Director-General of DMCSA revealed that the procurement exercise is part of the broader efforts by the Kano State Government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to strengthen the health supply chain and improve the availability of life-saving medicines and consumables in government-owned secondary and primary healthcare facilities.

"The DMCSA remains committed to building a resilient and efficient health supply system that serves the needs of Kano State’s growing population," Pharm. Sule stated, adding that the tender evaluation marks a major step in the procurement cycle, aimed at ensuring the availability of high-quality, affordable, and safe medical products for public health institutions across Kano State.

"The evaluation process is being conducted in strict compliance with the Kano State Public Procurement Law and global best practices in public procurement and health sector accountability," the DG asserted.

The objectives of the exercise are to give an overview of 2024-2025 (10th) tender performance, to pre-qualify bidders for the 2025-2026 (11th) tendering process to meet the standard criteria, to evaluate bidders that submitted the tender documents, and to develop preliminary awards to successful bidders.

During the sessions, the Tender Evaluation Committee members took an oath of allegiance administered by Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim, the Director Drugs and Supply at DMCSA, who also made a presentation on the overview of 2024-2025 tender evaluation performance.

Later, the partners, including Alh. Abdulkadir Kabara, the State Team Lead FCDO Lafiya, Mr. Julius Oni of Chartered Institute of Procument and Supply (CIPS), and Alh. Farouk Nasidi, a representative of the community, offered goodwill messages.

At the end of the evaluation exercise, the final list of successful bidders will be announced in the coming weeks, after which the Agency will proceed with contract awards and distribution planning, in accordance with due process guidelines.

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency is a government institution mandated to ensure the efficient procurement, warehousing, and distribution of quality-assured medicines and medical supplies to all public health facilities in Kano State and beyond.

Kano DMCSA Develops 2026 AOP to Strengthen Drug Availability and Accountability

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has brainstormed and came up with its 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP), setting a bold agenda to deepen reforms in pharmaceutical governance, and improve access to quality medicines in the state.

The Director-General of the Agency, Pharm. Gali Sule made this known during the Kano State Health Sector MDAs 2026 AOP Technical Review & Harmonization Workshop, currently taking place at The Pyramid Hotel in Kaduna. This development highlighted the 2026 AOP as a continuation of the Agency’s transformative work that has seen drug availability in public health facilities rise from 30% to over 90% in just two years.

“The DMCSA 2026 Annual Operational Plan is focused on sustainability, equity, and quality. Our goal is to ensure that every health facility across the 44 Local Government Areas in Kano State has uninterrupted access to qualitative and affordable medicines,” the DG stated.

According to him, the key pillars of the 2026 AOP include sustaining drug availability across all health facilities, enhancing procurement systems and distribution logistics, expansion of drug coverage under the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF), ensuring transparency and accountability in the supply chain, and quarterly review as well as audits of drug stores and zonal warehouses

Other key pillars are strengthening the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme, enforcement measures against drug diversion and mismanagement, enhancing cost recovery and fund sustainability, expanding community awareness on the activities of the Agency, and continuation of training for supply chain personnel.

On his part, the Director Drugs and Supply Pharm. Tukur Ibrahim said the DMCSA 2026 AOP was developed by the Agency in collaboration with development partners and relevant stakeholders, as in line with national health policies and the State Strategic Health Development Plan II (SSHDP-II).

Being a role model for other states across the nation, the Kano DMCSA has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to drug supply management, particularly through its revitalized Drug Revolving Fund. With the 2026 AOP, the Agency aims to further position Kano State as a model for transparent, accountable, and patient-centered pharmaceutical service delivery.

Generally, the 2026 AOP for health sector MDAs was developed in close collaboration between government officials from health, finance, planning, and budget sectors, and development partners.

The workshop was organized by the State Ministry of Health and supported by the UK Government's Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Programme and Sanhdef. The Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf is chairing the event, which commenced on Friday, 13th September, and to be round off on Monday, 15th September 2025.

Kano DMCSA Holds Transparent Tender Bid Opening Ceremony

By Farouk Isa Musa 

The Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) has successfully conducted a formal Tender Bid Opening Ceremony, Monday, at the premises of the agency located at Ibrahim Taiwo Road in the metropolis, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fair procurement processes in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The event marked a critical phase in the procurement process for the supply of health commodities, including drugs and other consumables, for the fiscal year 2026. Representatives from bidding companies, civil society organizations, and key government stakeholders were in attendance to witness the opening of submitted bids in a transparent and open forum.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, who was represented by Pharm. Aminu Bashir, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the agency's adherence to due process and procurement regulations.

“This tender opening ceremony is a testament to our ongoing dedication to integrity and fairness. By making the process open and participatory, we ensure public trust and efficient service delivery in the health sector,” the Commissioner said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director-General Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency Pharm. Gali Sule assured the residents of the state of his agency's commitment to continue prioritizing transparency and efficiency in its operations, recognizing the importance of reliable access to quality-assured and affordable medicines in achieving public health goals.

Speaking briefly on the notable achievements recorded at the agency under his watch, the Director-General said that about N950 million out of N1.2 billion debt, inherited from the previous administration, has been paid.

He also added that the fund value (capital) of the agency has significantly risen from the inherited N102 million negative balance to almost N350 million as of June this year.

Pharm. Gali Sule expressed optimism that with this year's tender, all health facilities across the state will be incorporated into the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) scheme.

He finally thanked the Kano State government, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the development partners for effective and continued support.

The bids, submitted by all vendors, have covered a range of health commodities, including essential medicines, laboratory supplies, and medical consumables intended to improve healthcare delivery across the state. Each bid was publicly opened, read aloud, and recorded in the presence of all attendees, ensuring a level playing field and compliance with public procurement laws and guidelines.

After the bid opening, the next phase in the procurement process by the agency will involve a thorough technical and financial evaluation of all submitted bids. Only the most responsive and qualified suppliers will be considered for contract awards, based on merit and compliance with technical specifications.

KHETFUND Organizes Refresher Course to Promote Transparency, and Accountability

By Farouk Isa Musa 

 In a significant move to strengthen transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the management of health funds, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) has successfully conducted a 2-day In-House Refresher Course on the Roles of Administration, Accounting, and Auditing Procedures in KHETFUND Operations

In her opening remarks, Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND, emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of financial management in the health sector. “Sound administration and financial accountability are the bedrock of sustainable health financing. This refresher course is designed to realign our professionals with best practices and evolving standards in fund management.”

The Executive Secretary further highlighted that the course is part of her agency’s broader initiative to promote sound financial management in the health sector. "With increasing demands on public health resources, it is crucial that all actors involved are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills to manage health finances effectively.”

She restated the determination of Kano State Government, headed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to continue prioritizing transparency, efficiency, and accountability in health financing, noting that the training course is part of ongoing capacity-building efforts by KHETFUND aimed at improving the governance of public health financing mechanisms and ensuring that resources allocated for healthcare delivery reach intended beneficiaries.

 “Many of the issues affecting health fund performance stem from knowledge gaps or misapplication of procedures. Through continuous training and refresher programs, we can significantly improve fund utilization and the delivery of critical health services,” Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen asserted.

On his part, the Director Admin and General Services Alh. Abubakar Bala, said the objectives of the program include: to understand the concept of work ethics and productivity and apply it to KHETFUND operations, to understand the current and emerging trends in account and audit, and to apply delegation and team-building to improve KHETFUND operations.

He added that other objectives are to understand the financial management procedures in KHETFUND operations, to understand administrative procedures related to KHETFUND operations, and to understand how to utilize effective internal control for efficient service delivery in KHETFUND operations.

The intensive training that brought together key stakeholders, including health professionals, administrators, finance officers, and auditors, was supported by the Center for Health Economics, System Development, and Analytics (CHESDA), and held at KHETFUND conference hall. It featured a combination of question and answer sessions and group exercises to ensure real-world application of skills learned.

During the sessions, the facilitators made presentations on key topics including, the work ethics and productivity in KHETFUND operations, creating awareness of the ethics and regulatory environment of public accounting, and understanding of the current and emerging trends in accounting and auditing.

Other key topics covered are the role of internal audit in the internal control system, administrative procedures, as well as delegation and team building for effective performance, among others.

At the end of the event, the participants expressed satisfaction with the quality and relevance of the course, highlighting the need for periodic refresher sessions to adapt to evolving operational frameworks.