For the period Boko Haram insurgency lasted in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, people in the affected states were robbed off their happiness, health and hope.
The massive killings and unprecedented destruction of properties including schools and health institutions in a region already lagging behind had no doubt increased the challenges of development in the area.
The over stretching of existing facilities in the surviving hospitals, compounded by mass exodus of specialized medical personnel had made the situation more difficult.
Worried by this tragedy, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam found reason to comply with Thomas Carlyle’s wise thoughts to invest in the state’s health sector to rejuvenate the people’s hope for a promising future, he declared a ‘State of Emergency’ on the health sector in 2013.
Although political pundits dismissed the declaration as an empty political statement not to be taken seriously, Gaidam proved them wrong when he started the transformation agenda with a N20m monthly free drugs programme for pregnant women, children below the age of five and accident victims, provided in 50 health facilities across the state.
The reconstruction, expansion and equipping of the Damaturu Specialist Hospital from a 70 bed to a 400 bed capacity hospital was another evidence of Gaidam’s commitment to give the people a new hope through healthcare delivery.
The state government’s investment of N1.8bn on rehabilitation and expansion of the Potiskum, Gashua and Geidam hospitals further proves the determination of improving the health sector. Three years after the declaration, the state government established the ultra modern Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu thereby chronicling the achievement in the sector.
For patients with kidney problems who had to travel far for medical treatment, the establishment of a dialysis center at the hospital was a dream come true. The installation of an MRI machine, radiology, urology, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) equipment among others was undoubtedly a great succor to the people.
The sustenance of this healthcare policy, structures and programme beyond the Gaidam administration has become a source of grave concern for the people what becomes of the healthcare program as the regime inches towards 2019.
One is tempted to ask of the qualities of a possible successor who shares the same dream, aspiration and passion for healthcare delivery with Gaidam. One individual has demonstrated appreciable degree of enthusiasm and commitment to healthcare delivery. The Senate leader, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has undoubtedly remained an individual who has practically invested huge commitment in direct support to the health of the people, especially in his constituency.
Sen. Lawan sponsored over 4,000 persons in six LGAs of Karasuwa, Bade, Jakusko, Machina, Nguru and Yusufari to undergo eye surgery and treatment. The sponsorship of additional 500 patients for surgery and treatment of Hernia and Hydrocelectomy will no doubt provide relief to patients of such ailments in the constituency.
In emerging democracies such as ours, many factors like rotation among geo-political zones come into play, it is however pertinent at this defining moment to consider critical and vital factors such as competence, zeal, determination and prudence of individual persons to ensure sustainability of these laudable achievements.
In fact, there is a collective responsibility on Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam, the APC and indeed the entire people of Yobe State to as a matter of urgent public importance insist on persons like Senator Lawan whose proven integrity, prudence, transparency, passion and commitment to ensure sustenance of this historic legacy in healthcare delivery.
Senator Lawan’s next political line of action, his strong and cordial relationship with Governor Gaidam, personal contributions in providing healthcare for the people and continuous encouragement of the governor make him a viable and worthy successor to Gaidam’s developmental strides in Yobe.
Alkali sent this piece from Mai Idrissa Way, Potiskum, Yobe State.
