By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has pledged to improve the welfare of nurses and midwives as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve patient care across the state.
The State Head of Service, Hajiya Bilkisu Mai Mota, gave the assurance on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 International Nurses Week organised by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Northwest Zone, held in Kano.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Hadi Ibrahim Bala, Mai Mota acknowledged the contributions of nurses and midwives, describing them as critical players in the healthcare system.
She said the government recognised the sacrifices made by health workers who work round the clock to provide care for patients.
“The government appreciates the commitment and sacrifices of nurses and midwives who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring the wellbeing of our people,” she said.
She urged nurses and midwives to continue maintaining professionalism and high standards in the discharge of their duties to enhance healthcare outcomes in the state.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had recorded progress in improving the management of healthcare resources in the state.
Represented by the Director-General of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Prof. Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, the commissioner said the government had increased revenue generated from pharmacy sales since assuming office.
He said the previous administration generated N1.5bn from pharmacy sales, while the current administration had increased the figure to over N2.5bn.
According to him, the development demonstrated the government’s commitment to improving efficiency and strengthening the health sector.
“The increase in revenue from pharmacy sales shows the reforms being implemented by the present administration to improve healthcare management,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zonal President of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Alhaji Haruna Mamman, said nurses had contributed significantly to reducing maternal and infant mortality in Kano.
He, however, called on the state government to further improve the welfare of nurses to motivate them and enhance service delivery.
Earlier, the state chairman of Kano State Chairman of the association and host of the event, Comrade Ibrahm Mai’karfi i Muhammad, raised concerns over manpower shortages in hospitals across the state.
Mai’karfi said the shortage had increased the workload on existing nurses and affected the quality of healthcare services.
He urged the government to recruit more nurses to address the manpower gap and reduce pressure on healthcare workers.
The event, attended by representatives from the seven states in the Northwest region, featured the presentation of awards to outstanding nurses and the cutting of a cake to mark the 2026 Nurses Week celebration.
The theme of this year’s celebration is: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
