Gov. Namadi Calls for Cleaner PHC Facilities, LG Secretariats
From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, has urged authorities to ensure improved hygiene in Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities and Local Government (LG) secretariats across the state.
Governor Namadi made the call during the disbursement of consumables and non-consumables to PHC facilities in the state.
He was represented by his Technical Adviser on Health, Malam Isah Surajo, at the event, where he expressed concern over the unsanitary conditions of some PHC clinics and LG secretariats, describing them as unfit for human habitation.
“The unfortunate reality is the poor hygiene in many of our public spaces, particularly health facilities and offices within local government secretariats,” said the governor’s representative.
He further lamented the situation, saying, “It is disheartening to visit some secretariats and find offices where one cannot sit or drink water due to unhygienic conditions. It is your responsibility to ensure and enforce proper sanitation in these areas and other public facilities in your jurisdictions.”
Malam Surajo urged the Heads of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Departments across the 27 local government councils to intensify sanitation efforts beyond the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, typically held on the last Saturday of each month.
“Environmental sanitation should not be restricted to a single day each month; it should be an ongoing activity. Expand your operations to include all public spaces and collaborate with health facility managers to achieve cleaner environments,” he emphasized.
He warned that poor sanitary conditions in health facilities and public offices pose serious health risks, particularly to children, as they expose them to communicable diseases.
“Environmental sanitation and hygiene extend beyond our homes to include workplaces and public spaces where we spend significant time daily. Poor hygiene in these places jeopardizes our health,” he noted.
Malam Surajo directed WASH officials to collaborate with PHC managers to ensure clinics are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness. He stated that public health facilities should be as clean as private homes to prevent patients seeking care from contracting additional diseases.
“There are sufficient environmental health workers in each PHC facility, and where additional support is needed, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and local government chairmen will provide the necessary assistance to maintain cleanliness in our clinics,” he added.
The Technical Adviser also cautioned against mismanagement of the distributed items, urging officials to use them judiciously and ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries.
“Distribute the items fairly and responsibly, as outlined in your terms of service,” he concluded.
