By Maryam Garba Balarabe
In a strategic move to demonstrate her commitment to transparency and accountability, the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND), Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen has led a team of KHETFUND officials to the State Ministry of Health for a Post-Funding Verification Exercise on the intervention for the screening of female pilgrims of the concluded 2025 Hajj operations.
Speaking during the visit, which took place on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, the Executive Secretary said the essence of the verification visit was to assess the effective utilization of funds disbursed by KHETFUND for the health screening exercise, evaluate the impact of the intervention, and ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public health funds.
"We are here to assess and verify the implementation of the funded intervention for the screening of female pilgrims for the last Hajj operations in order to ensure that the funds allocated were effectively utilized in line with approved guidelines. The post-funding verification exercise forms part of KHETFUND’s broader mandate to ensure accountability, improve healthcare outcomes, and strengthen public confidence in health sector financing across Kano State." Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen said.
“Our objective is to ensure that funds released by KHETFUND achieve measurable health outcomes for the people of Kano. The screening of female pilgrims for the concluded Hajj is a critical preventive health intervention, and we are pleased to see the collaboration between the Ministry and other stakeholders yielding positive results,” she added.
The ES highlighted that the KHETFUND has released the sum of N8,435,881 on 23rd May 2025 as intervention for the screening of female pilgrims with a view to help in maintaining health standards for pilgrims, noting that such initiatives help safeguard the wellbeing of Kano State’s contingent during the Hajj exercise.
She emphasized KHETFUND’s commitment to strengthening health systems financing in Kano State through evidence-based funding and periodic monitoring of supported interventions.
Dr. Zahraddeen reaffirmed KHETFUND’s dedication to promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability in health sector financing, and to continuously partnering with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kano State.
Receiving the KHETFUND team, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf commended the Fund for its proactive approach to intervention monitoring and its continued support for public health programs in the state.
“KHETFUND’s involvement has significantly strengthened our capacity to deliver quality healthcare interventions. The screening of female pilgrims is an essential step in ensuring their health and safety during the pilgrimage, and this support underscores the value of inter-agency synergy,” Dr. Yusuf stated.
The Commissioner, who was represented by Dr. Aminu Da'u of the Medical Department, expressed appreciation for KHETFUND’s oversight role and reiterated commitment of the Ministry to sustaining quality healthcare delivery and transparent fund management in all state health interventions.
The post-funding verification exercise included a review of relevant documentation, and it also provided an opportunity for joint discussions on lessons learned and strategies for improving future health financing interventions.
In a related development, the Kano State Health Trust Fund (KHETFUND) team has conducted a pre-funding verification visit to Waziri Gidado Hospital following a formal request for financial support to procure vital medical equipment.
The pre-funding verification exercise was aimed at assessing the hospital’s infrastructure, current equipment status, and readiness to effectively utilize the proposed funds. The visit also served as part of KHETFUND’s due diligence and accountability process to ensure transparency and accountability in all health sector investments.
Leading the KHETFUND delegation, Dr. Fatima Usman Zahraddeen, the Executive Secretary of KHETFUND, stressed that the Fund remains committed to supporting healthcare institutions that demonstrate need, capacity, and alignment with the state’s health development priorities.
“KHETFUND’s role is not only to provide funding but also to ensure that every naira invested translates into improved healthcare delivery and better outcomes for our citizens,” she explained. “This verification is an important step in ensuring that Waziri Gidado Hospital is adequately equipped to serve its growing patient population."
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