From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe South Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has employed a new staff member for the Bolari New Primary Healthcare Centre as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery in the area.
The Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Alhaji Auwalu Jauro Bappi, announced the employment on Saturday during the launch of the council’s free maternity kit distribution programme at the newly constructed Bolari West Primary Healthcare Centre.
Bappi said the appointment of Malam Haris was in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the development of the healthcare facility.
He said the council would continue to invest in initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services and ensuring that its primary healthcare centres had adequate manpower to effectively serve residents.
The chairman also launched the distribution of free maternity kits to pregnant women attending healthcare facilities across the LCDA, saying the initiative was designed to reduce the financial burden associated with childbirth, particularly for women from poor and vulnerable households.
He directed officials responsible for the distribution to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness so that the materials reached eligible beneficiaries.
Bappi commended Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu Mai Zare for donating the land used for the construction of the healthcare centre, while also appreciating the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, for his contribution to the project and support for the development of healthcare services.
Healthcare officials, including Hajiya Hafsat Lamu and Ahmed Muhammad Bello, commended the council for the initiatives, saying the employment of additional personnel and provision of maternity materials would strengthen service delivery and encourage greater patronage of primary healthcare facilities.
Some beneficiaries also expressed appreciation to the council, saying the free maternity kits would help ease the financial pressure faced by expectant mothers.
They, however, appealed to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to consider providing free caesarean section (CS) procedures for pregnant women who cannot afford the cost of the operation.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, councillors, government officials, healthcare workers, community leaders and other stakeholders.