Sokoto govt revives health sector with 21 general hospitals, 824 PHCs

The Sokoto State Government says it has successfully brought its health sector back from the brink, revitalising facilities across the state with the activation of 21 general hospitals and 824 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

Speaking at a press briefing in Sokoto on Monday, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, praised Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s administration for transforming a once-debilitated system into a functional, decentralised network of care.

“When Governor Ahmad Aliyu assumed office, he found hospitals with broken beds, torn mattresses, outdated equipment, and a near-total breakdown of services. The health system was, quite literally, in the ICU,” he said.

According to him, the rapid revival is the result of targeted investments guided by the governor’s 9-Point SMART Agenda and strong political will.

“21 general hospitals are now active, covering each of the 23 LGAs, 824 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) operational across all 240 wards and 9 new ultrasound machines distributed across the three senatorial districts.

“Others include X-ray machines installed in all geopolitical zones, 10 general hospitals undergoing phased rehabilitation and completion work ongoing at two abandoned hospitals in Dange Shuni and Wamakko.”

Abubakar noted that rural patients no longer need to travel to the metropolis for basic diagnostics, as services have been decentralised and modernised.

He also revealed that the administration is working to establish a world-class medical facility in the state to reduce dependence on treatment outside Sokoto.

“We are building a sustainable, responsive healthcare system, not just reacting to problems, but preventing them. That’s the real game-changer,” he said.

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