Kwara State Ministry of Health Responds to Health Sector Article
The Kwara State Ministry of Health acknowledges an article published in THISDAY on April 1, 2026, which discussed the challenging health care environment in the region, particularly highlighting the statistic of one doctor for every 12,000 residents. While the state government recognizes the issues affecting health care, it disputes the portrayal of a systemic failure within the sector.
Since 2019, the administration has undertaken numerous reforms aimed at bolstering primary, secondary, and tertiary health care systems. These initiatives include significant investments in infrastructure, workforce expansion, and enhanced health insurance coverage, each designed to strengthen the state’s health care framework.
In response to allegations of negligence, the government has embarked on an ambitious renovation and equipment plan for 193 primary health centers (PHCs) across all 16 municipalities, with 83 of these renovations funded through the Basic Health Care Delivery Fund (BHCPF) and the IMPACT program. Additional PHCs are also undergoing renovations through various state-supported initiatives. Furthermore, numerous general hospitals are currently experiencing improvements in infrastructure.
The state’s commitment to enhancing tertiary health care services is evident in the transformation of the Ilorin General Hospital into the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), which has recently received accreditation from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Additionally, partnerships with two private universities aim to convert two national hospitals, namely General Hospital in Omu Aran and Sobi Specialist Hospital, into teaching hospitals affiliated with those institutions. This initiative is designed to improve service quality, expand medical training capacity, and enhance the availability of skilled healthcare professionals statewide.
Though operational challenges such as power and water outages may occur, the government is actively working to mitigate these issues through budget allocations for public works, alternative power sources, and consistent facility maintenance. Claims suggesting a significant disruption in life-saving treatments are not representative of the hospital’s current service provision.
Regarding claims of a two-week suspension of cesarean section services, records demonstrate that while there may be isolated interruptions due to technical or clinical considerations, there is no evidence of a complete service halt. Data confirms that surgery activity is ongoing and even increasing, which is consistent with the expectations for tertiary care facilities.
Data Reflects Ongoing Surgical Activity
In January, KWASUTH recorded 116 cesarean sections out of a total of 351 surgeries. The following month, February saw an increase to 151 cesarean sections and a total of 379 surgeries performed. These figures contradict allegations of prolonged service interruptions.
KWASUTH is equipped with a functional central generator that ensures continued clinical operations during power outages, and a reliable water supply system capable of supporting both clinical and non-clinical activities. Furthermore, the hospital’s recent accreditation by MDCN for medical training underscores the state’s commitment to improving health services through robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
The Kwara State government celebrates its new accreditation from the Nigeria Pharmacy Council to train medical residents, alongside similar approvals to train nurses and efforts to enhance the training of laboratory scientists through the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). This momentum marks significant strides toward building a competent health workforce, a priority that the government is pursuing with unwavering dedication.
Mischaracterizing the doctor-patient ratio as a unique Kwara issue ignores the broader national and international context of health worker shortages exacerbated by global migration trends. The state government, led by His Excellency Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, continues to actively recruit doctors and other health professionals to address staffing challenges, demonstrating a commitment to improving health care delivery.
In 2025, plans include the recruitment of over 1,000 health workers across various roles in primary health care. Recently, 150 nurses and midwives have been reengaged to serve in the state’s secondary hospitals. A parallel recruitment drive for medical professionals in Kwasas is also in progress, indicating the state’s proactive approach to bolstering its health workforce.
The state’s sustained investment in health, including competitive compensation structures and timely salary disbursements, further supports capacity-building initiatives. The Ministry has started acquiring advanced diagnostic equipment, such as a new 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, alongside refurbishing existing facilities to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
Through the Kwara State Health Insurance Authority (KWHIA), thousands of residents have gained improved access to affordable health services, with efforts to expand the KwaraCare scheme for civil servants enhancing progress toward universal health coverage.
Acknowledging the global challenges tied to health worker mobility, the Kwara State government insists that while issues persist, the health system is far from neglected. The state aims to continually strengthen its health workforce, expand opportunities for training, and improve service delivery, thereby counteracting the negative narrative surrounding its health care developments.
▪︎ Dr. Amina Ahmed El Imam is the Kwara State Commissioner for Health.
