The Kano State government has raised concerns over ongoing theft within its free drugs programme, alleging collusion between some health workers and beneficiaries to steal medications meant for vulnerable patients.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, highlighted this issue during a stakeholder engagement organised by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI).
He noted that the theft has become a major hurdle in the programme’s mission to provide essential drugs to the less privileged at no cost.
READ ALSO: Kano Govt spends N800m on anti-malarial nets, drugs
“It is a very serious issue that is hindering the progress of the free drugs programme in Kano. Health workers and beneficiaries are colluding to steal the drugs, which denies access to those who genuinely need them,” Dr. Yusuf stated.
In response, the state government is implementing electronic records and utilisation registers to enhance transparency and accountability. “Every individual who receives these services will have their name, address, and phone number documented, allowing us to cross-check records and ensure that services reach the right people,” he explained.
Dr. Yusuf also expressed concerns over the low attendance rates for antenatal and postnatal care among women, particularly in rural parts of Kano.
He warned about the risks associated with skipping antenatal care, saying, “The implication of women not coming for antenatal care and for delivery is untimely death because if you do not access humans in pregnancy, you cannot plan for delivery and unplanned deliveries are usually the ones that come with complications and issues which mostly occur in remote areas where transportation itself is an issue.”
To address these challenges, the Kano State government has conducted a year-long study in local communities to collect data on maternal mortality rates, which will inform future interventions.
Additionally, the government has begun renovating health facilities and recruiting more health workers to make healthcare centers safer and more conducive for pregnant women seeking care and safe deliveries.
