2025 Kaduna Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Deteriorating State of Hospitals

Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly have expressed deep concern over the poor state of some government hospitals, warning that immediate action is required to avert their total collapse.

The lawmakers, during an on-the-spot assessment of facilities in Kagarko and Chikun Local Government Areas, said they were shocked by the level of decay in the hospitals. The inspection was conducted in collaboration with the Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiatives, supported by the Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development and the Engender Health Consortium Partners.

Leading the delegation, the Minority Leader and member representing Jema’a Constituency, Hon. Ali Kalat, said the exercise was part of a wider effort to review health facilities across the 23 local government areas of the state.

He lamented the dire condition of the facilities, describing leaking roofs, broken windows, dilapidated wards, and poorly equipped theatres, laboratories, and pharmacies as common features. “From the emergency ward to the male and female wards, including the theatre, laboratory, and pharmacy, the level of neglect is alarming. Patients and staff are subjected to untold hardship because these facilities cannot provide quality healthcare,” he stated.

At the General Hospital, Kagarko, the Medical Director complained of severe manpower shortages and crumbling infrastructure, appealing for a complete overhaul of the facility. A patient, Hajiya Rabi Gambo, also recounted how patients struggled with leaking roofs and the absence of functional toilets. A nurse, who spoke anonymously, revealed that workers often bought drugs and equipment with their own money to assist patients.

At the Primary Health Centre, Jere, Chief Health Officer Mrs. Abigail Nuhu said the hospital had been without electricity for two years and lacked water supply, toilets, and staff quarters, appealing for urgent government intervention.

In contrast, the General Hospital, Sabo, Chikun LGA, was commended for its upgrades under Governor Uba Sani. However, its Medical Director, Dr. Dsekome, noted that the facility is overstretched due to an influx of patients from neighbouring communities. He also expressed concern over threats to medical staff by some patients resisting procedures, stressing the need for more personnel and bed spaces.

The Chief Health Officer at the Primary Health Centre, Sabo Tasha, further decried the poor state of the access road leading to the facility.

Assuring the communities, the lawmakers pledged to present their findings before the Assembly and push for an increased health budget in the next fiscal year.