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From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, has secured a partnership with a United States-based humanitarian organisation, Project CURE, to supply medical equipment worth over N8 billion to 10 general hospitals across the district.
Katung disclosed this on Wednesday after conducting a needs assessment tour of five general hospitals in Kagarko, Kachia, Sanga, Kafanchan and Zonkwa.
Fielding questions from journalists shortly after the visit, the lawmaker said the intervention was aimed at addressing critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery in public hospitals.
“For too long, our general hospitals have struggled with obsolete or inadequate equipment. This partnership is part of our deliberate effort to reverse that trend and ensure that our people receive quality healthcare closer to home,” he said.
Katung explained that the five hospitals assessed would serve as reference facilities for the remaining hospitals expected to benefit from the first phase of the intervention.
According to him, following a review meeting, Project CURE agreed to increase the number of containers to at least 11 to meet the demand across the 10 hospitals, including the proposed inclusion of St. Louis Hospital, Zonkwa.
“We are not just donating equipments; we are ensuring that what is supplied meets the specific needs of each hospital. That is why this assessment is critical. We want functional equipment that will directly impact patient care,” he added.
He described the partnership as a long-term commitment rather than a one-off intervention.
“This is a five-year partnership with Project C.U.R.E. It guarantees continuity, monitoring and sustainability. Our goal is to build a healthcare system that our people can trust and rely on,” the senator stated.
The Team Lead of Project CURE, Rose Polycarp, said the equipment would be delivered within three to six months.
She commended the senator for facilitating the collaboration and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting sustainable healthcare development in the district.
According to her, each container contains medical equipment valued at $500,000, and the organisation is bringing a minimum of 11 containers with a combined value of USD5.5 million.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, described the initiative as timely and impactful.
“This intervention is coming at a very crucial time. Our hospitals have dedicated health workers, but they are limited by inadequate equipment. With this support, we are confident that service delivery will improve significantly,” he said.
Dogara noted that improved healthcare infrastructure would reduce referrals to distant facilities and lessen the financial burden on families.
“When our hospitals are properly equipped, our people will no longer need to travel long distances for basic medical services. This will save lives, reduce costs and restore confidence in our public health institutions,” he added.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Engr. Bege Joseph Gaiya, lauded the senator’s efforts, describing the partnership as responsive and people-oriented.
“This is what representation should be about, identifying the needs of the people and taking practical steps to address them. The healthcare sector is fundamental to community development,” Gaiya said.
He added that the intervention would complement ongoing efforts by the state government to strengthen primary and secondary healthcare services.
“We appreciate Senator Katung for attracting this level of support. It shows commitment to the wellbeing of our people and aligns with broader efforts to reposition our health facilities for optimal performance,” he said.
Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Jema’a, Sanga, Zangon Kataf, and Jaba constituencies also commended the initiative, describing it as responsive representation focused on improving constituents’ welfare.
The intervention is expected to enhance the capacity of beneficiary hospitals, improve patient care and establish a framework for sustained healthcare support under the five-year partnership.
