— Partners with Indigenous companies to promote economic growth through healthcare —–
To address workforce reduction and enhance manpower retention in the health sector, the Kwara State government has approved the revised 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors in the State.
The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board (KWHMB), Dr. Abdulraheem Malik, made this announcement during the first quarter inter-ministerial press briefing held today at the conference room of the Ministry of Finance in Ilorin.
Dr. Malik explained that this policy aims to reduce brain drain and encourage medical personnel to return to the State’s healthcare system. He shared that the vision for the KWHMB is to become a leading provider of high-quality secondary healthcare services throughout the State.
“The Board aspires to create a healthcare system where every citizen has equitable access to timely, effective, and preventive care through innovation, strategic oversight, and a strong sense of accountability,” he stated.
In discussing renewable energy, he emphasized the administration’s commitment to climate-smart healthcare solutions, including the integration of renewable energy systems and sustainable water solutions.
These initiatives aim to ensure uninterrupted and environmentally friendly healthcare services. Examples include the installation of solar systems at the General Hospital in Offa and the Cottage Hospital in Adewole, as well as other facilities in Ajase Ipo, Eruku, Tsaragi, and Isin local government areas.
Dr. Malik also highlighted that the primary focus of the administration is capacity building and training for healthcare professionals.
He noted significant achievements in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), including a two-week intensive training course for doctors on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC), ensuring that there is at least one CEMONC-compliant facility in each local government area of the State.
Additionally, Dr. Malik reported substantial progress in training and developing human resources, including the accreditation of pharmacy intern training for six facilities across the three senatorial districts.
Ongoing accreditation processes are also in place for the training of nurses and laboratory scientists, along with partnerships with schools to train nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, x-ray technicians, and other allied health professionals.
Furthermore, the Board has recently initiated a strategic partnership with indigenous pharmaceutical companies, such as Tuyil Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Sam Pharmaceutical Company Limited, to support the State’s drug supply chain. This underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging local capacity and fostering economic growth through healthcare.
In his remarks regarding statistical data for the first quarter, he noted that antenatal care was provided to 12,041 pregnant women, while the general outpatient departments (GOPD) received 20,594 patients. A total of 946 surgical procedures were conducted across secondary facilities, and 1,384 birth deliveries were reported, with 131 performed via cesarean sections.
He emphasized that the current administration is committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of Kwarans and expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts in bringing the healthcare sector to the rightful position.
