The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to healthcare improvement during a courtesy visit by Professor Tosan Erhabor, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
Governor Radda announced that Katsina now ranks among the states offering the most competitive salaries to medical doctors in Nigeria. This strategic move aims to retain skilled medical professionals and enhance healthcare delivery in the state.
Addressing the challenge of the medical brain drain, the Governor stated, “Upon assuming office in 2023, we discovered an acute shortage of doctors, with many leaving the state for opportunities elsewhere. We’ve taken decisive action to reverse this trend.”
Highlighting the importance of medical laboratory science in disease diagnosis, Governor Radda revealed plans to establish a state-of-the-art imaging center at General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, Katsina. “We’ve already placed orders for cutting-edge machines to be installed at this centre, which will be one of the best in Northern Nigeria,” he added.
The Governor also praised the Medical Laboratory Science profession, noting that four of its members in Katsina had successfully passed competency tests, leading to their appointments as Permanent Secretaries and other key positions in the state civil service.
In response to the Council’s proposed training program, Governor Radda pledged the state’s support, demonstrating Katsina’s commitment to continuous medical education.
Professor Erhabor, in his address, expressed the Council’s willingness to support Katsina State in establishing a degree program in Medical Laboratory Sciences. He also appealed to the state government to consider including medical laboratory science students in its overseas training programs.
Governor Radda concluded by emphasizing the state’s holistic approach to healthcare development, encompassing infrastructure, personnel retention, and educational advancements.
