Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has granted automatic employment to 54 postgraduate students who completed health-related courses in India under a foreign scholarship program. This move is part of the state’s efforts to improve healthcare services, particularly in addressing maternal mortality and sickle cell anemia.
The announcement was made during a reception and Iftar organized for the returning scholars, who studied at Symbiosis International University in Pune, India. Governor Yusuf stated that the state has made necessary arrangements to offer the scholars automatic employment within the Kano State Civil Service.
“We have made all necessary arrangements to offer you automatic employment within the Kano State Civil Service,” Governor Yusuf said. “Your appointment letters will be issued shortly through the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Head of Service. Additionally, you will benefit from the newly implemented minimum wage of N71,000 in the state. We have also increased allowances for healthcare workers to ensure a conducive working environment.”
The governor expressed concern over some government-sponsored students opting to work outside the state after completing their studies. He appealed to the scholars to use their knowledge and expertise to improve healthcare services in Kano.
“I am surprised to see beneficiaries of government scholarships working elsewhere instead of contributing to the development of Kano,” he said. “We appeal to you to use your knowledge and expertise to improve healthcare services, particularly in addressing maternal mortality and sickle cell anemia.”
Governor Yusuf emphasized that the state’s investment in education and healthcare aims to enhance service delivery, making it crucial to retain skilled professionals. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing the foreign scholarship program initiated by former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Among the 54 returning scholars are 36 medical doctors, 11 pharmacists, two anatomists, and one radiographer. The Executive Secretary of the Kano State Scholarship Board, Kabiru Getso, highlighted that some of the specialized courses studied by the graduates are the first of their kind in Kano and northern Nigeria.
“Achieving this milestone places the state in a strong position to improve healthcare services,” Getso noted. “All the students excelled academically, completing their programs with impressive grades and no carryovers.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Dr. Yusuf Abubakar expressed deep gratitude to the Kano State government. “Words are not enough to express our gratitude. We are deeply thankful for this life-changing opportunity,” he said.
The Kano State Government has been working to improve healthcare services in the state. In 2016, the state government signed into law a bill establishing the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) to ensure all residents have access to quality and affordable healthcare services ¹.
The state has also received funding from international organizations, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to support healthcare initiatives. In 2017, the foundation committed $1,760,771 to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in Kano ².
The Kano State Government’s efforts to improve healthcare services are crucial, given the challenges faced by the state’s healthcare system. According to the Maternal Figures database, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with over 50,000 women dying during childbirth every year ¹.
The database also highlights the importance of addressing maternal mortality and other healthcare challenges in Kano State. The state has a high population density, and its healthcare system faces significant challenges in providing quality services to its residents.
In this context, the Kano State Government’s decision to grant automatic employment to the 54 Indian-trained health professionals is a significant step towards improving healthcare services in the state. The move is expected to boost the state’s healthcare workforce and enhance its capacity to address pressing healthcare challenges.
As the Kano State Government continues to work towards improving healthcare services, it is essential to recognize the importance of retaining skilled healthcare professionals. The state’s investment in education and healthcare initiatives is crucial, and it is vital to ensure that these investments yield long-term benefits for the state’s residents.
In conclusion, the Kano State Government’s decision to grant automatic employment to the 54 Indian-trained health professionals is a significant step towards improving healthcare services in the state. The move is expected to boost the state’s healthcare workforce and enhance its capacity to address pressing healthcare challenges. As the state continues to work towards improving healthcare services, it is essential to recognize the importance of retaining skilled healthcare professionals and ensuring that investments in education and healthcare initiatives yield long-term benefits for the state’s residents.
