Kano Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Sunday, declared free maternal healthcare services in the state, during the re-commissioning of the 86-bed Hasiya Bayero Paediatric hospital, allegedly sold by the previous administration.

Though the immediate-past administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has consistently denied selling the children hospital named after the mother of the late Emir of Kano, His Highness, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, Governor Yusuf lamented the untold hardship faced by Kano residents when the hospital was closed down.

He, however, declared that: “At this juncture, I want to emphasize that our administration is committed to providing all the necessary support needed in the provision of quality healthcare system in the state, including free maternal healthcare services.”

Governor Yusuf further stated that: “Hasiya Paediatric hospital offers nutritional services, immunization services, research and training, and two-way referral services.

“Unfortunately, despite several appeals by the community, the hospital was sold by the previous administration to their cronies; and a lot of equipment were stolen.

” This caused unnecessary hardship to the good people of Kano State, which forced them to access Pediatric healthcare services elsewhere that is costly and unavailable.

“However, as part of our campaign promises to the good people of Kano, we promised to recover, renovate, and provide state-of-art equipment, and other needed infrastructure for the smooth operation of the facility.

” This is with a view to stem the tide of the abysmally high neo-natal and infant morbidity and mortality in the state.

” Ladies and gentle men, it is equally of importance that our administration gave the instruction for the immediate redeployment of personnel, ranging from medical and other cadres to run the hospital efficiently and effectively.

” I believe the recovery of this hospital will reduce the burden of medical and surgical healthcare challenges bedeviling the good people of Kano State, especially, our dear children who are vulnerable to all sorts of diseases.

” I, therefore, will seize this opportunity to call on all the healthcare workers across the state to show dedication and commitment, according to their professional ethics, as this administration would not tolerate any act of indiscipline, misconduct or stealing of public property.

” Let me also seize this opportunity to thank and congratulate all those who, in one way or the other helped in resuscitating this historical children hospital.

” In particular, let me appreciate the contributions of the Honourable Commissioner of Health, that of Works and Housing, and their staff, the Kano Emirate Council, The Ulamas, as well as the business community for their various donations.

” I am also grateful to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and members of his Emirate Council for finding time to visit the hospital, which was named after his grandmother, Mai Baban Daki of blessed memory.

” Finally, I, in the name of Allah, The most beneficent and merciful, I, hereby commission Hasiya Bayero Paediatric hospital on this day, the 13th of August, 2023.”

I’m his remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, noted that the recovery and re-commissioning of the hospital was a historic milestone.

He commended Governor Yusuf for keeping his promise, and expressed joy that Kano residents have heaved a sigh of relief over the recovery and rehabilitation of the children hospital.

In his keynote address, the Zonal Coordinator of the World Health Organization (Who) for Northwest, Dr. Haruna Adamu assured that all development partners will continue to render the necessary support to the state in its effort to enhance healthcare delivery services to the people.

The Emir of Kano, His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, in brief address, expressed joy that the children hospital named after his grandmother has been resuscitated and equipped with modern facilities.

He commended Governor Yusuf for the kind gesture, pointing out that, “there is no doubt this hospital has a history and we will never forget it.

“The people already know what they have missed quality healthcare delivery when the hospital was closed; but today, they are happy and in a better position to say the benefits they will get as the hospital is re-commissioned.

“I call on the people to endeavor to protect the investment made in the hospital. They should remember that the government cannot do everything on its own. The private sector should endeavor to contribute their quota.”

(Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Governor Yusuf exchange pleasantries during the re-commissioning of Hasiya Bayero Paediatric hospital located close to the Emir’s Palace on Sunday)