By Abdallah el-Kurebe
Sokoto state government has concluded plans to convert the state-owned Amanawa Leprosarium to a full-fledged hospital for infectious diseases.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal made the disclosure in Sokoto on Wednesday while addressing stakeholders on health at the ongoing 56th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
According to him, approval has been given to upgrade to premier health institutions, one hospital in each of the three senatorial districts of Sokoto state, while two general hospitals would be renovated.
Additionally, the state government had earlier plan to establish cardiac and renal centers to ease the hardship of transporting patients for treatment to other countries.
He said in order to adequately preserve drugs and other items, the state government, in collaboration with USAID and other development agencies, recently renovated, equipped and commissioned two blocks of storage facilities at the State Central Medical Stores.
According to him, plans are at an advanced stage to launch emergency centers for treatment of road traffic accident cases along major highways in the State.
He said due to the importance government attaches to work of doctors; his administration has supported the activities of NMA and will continue to assist the association to achieve its desired objectives.