The First Lady Remi Tinubu, on Thursday, inaugurated the maiden Gombe Health Summit, conveyed by the state government to transform healthcare service delivery.
The theme of the summit is: “Transforming the Health System in Gombe State, Accomplishment, Challenges And the Next Frontier. ”
She highlighted that health was no longer a choice but a necessity, and commended Gombe government’s investments in healthcare, nutrition and human resource development.
“A healthy state is indeed a healthy nation,” she said.
Tinubu commended the state government for prioritising wellbeing of the people via bold steps adopted to reform the health sector.
She said the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities, promotion of nutrition through home-grown gardens, and the upward review of health workers’ salaries would served as model for other states to emulate.
“You’ve done a lot, even Bill Gates has attested to the progress being made here and expressed admiration for the way you approach and manage key issues,” she said.
Tinubu also highlighted the strategic use of increased federal allocations, describing Gombe’s approach as a demonstration of responsible and visionary leadership.
“The people of Gombe are indeed fortunate to have a governor who is committed to sustainable development. My prayer is that your legacy will endure and inspire others,” she added.
Dr Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, said the summit aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s health agenda.
He said the state has made progress in the health sector by ensuring real improvements with support of private sector in the last two years.
Pate said that 114 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) have been revitalised in collaboration with the federal government, and over 1,000 women accessed emergency obstetric care through federal interventions.
He acknowleged Gombe state’s pioneering efforts in human resource management for healthcare, adding that, “the summit provides a platform for knowledge-sharing and cross-learning among states.
“Improving health outcomes goes beyond just providing care, it requires a multisectoral approach involving education, nutrition and sanitation. Gombe is leading by example,” Pate said.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya announced full implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS salary structure for the state’s health workers effective October 2025.
He said with such increment, health workers in the state would be at par with their colleagues in the federal service in terms of payment.
He reitrated commitment to improve health outcomes through massive investment and partnerships. (NAN)
