Kano State is confronting a significant healthcare workforce shortage, with an estimated shortfall of approximately 4,000 health workers. This alarming deficit comes amidst growing population pressures, as highlighted by the Director General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Prof. Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, during the inaugural convocation ceremony of the Sardauna College of Health Sciences and Technology.
Prof. Ibrahim emphasized the urgent challenges facing hospitals and primary healthcare centres throughout the state. The situation is particularly dire given that Kano is projected to experience between 600,000 and 700,000 births in 2026, which will place additional strain on already overwhelmed health facilities.
Urgent Call for Training and Support
The Director General underscored the necessity to address the manpower gap, urging educational institutions to focus on practical and community-based learning. This approach aims to ensure that graduates are adequately equipped for frontline service roles. Prof. Ibrahim also announced plans for the state government to integrate newly trained health workers into underserved areas, specifically targeting localities such as Doguwa, Rogo, and Sumaila Local Government Areas.
The convocation ceremony also featured comments from Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum, who noted the significance of the high number of female graduates. He pointed out that many families in the region prefer female health workers for their care, which is critical in addressing cultural sensitivities. Despite this progress, Dalhatu remarked that the North continues to lag in producing female healthcare professionals, calling for ongoing investments in girls’ education and health-sector training.
Community Leaders Urge Commitment to Service
Former public official and community leader, Dr. Goni Faruk Umar, also addressed the graduates, encouraging them to view their qualifications as a commitment to serve rather than a means to personal comfort. His remarks reinforced the importance of dedication in addressing the pressing healthcare needs of the community.
As Kano State prepares for a surge in births in the coming years, the emphasis on improving healthcare staffing and infrastructure is crucial. The resolutions made during the convocation ceremony reflect a collective recognition of the challenges ahead and the need for proactive measures to bolster the state’s healthcare system.
