The Association of Colleges and Schools of Health Sciences and Technology in Katsina State has urged the state government to expedite the reopening of private health training institutions that have met the required standards. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, December 23, 2024, the Association praised the government for forming a committee to verify and regulate health institutions but highlighted the need for swift action to prevent disruptions in health education.  

According to the Association, inspections conducted by the committee led to the approval of eight private institutions for resumption, while seven others were directed to address specific deficiencies before reopening. The Association expressed concerns that delays in the process could negatively affect academic calendars, student progression, and the overall availability of trained health workers in the state.  

Private health training institutions, the Association noted, play a crucial role in producing a significant number of healthcare professionals annually, bridging the gap left by government-owned institutions. The Association appealed to the Katsina State Government to strengthen its support for private institutions by improving public-private partnerships, offering financial assistance, and providing infrastructure to uphold high training standards.  

The Association also emphasized the urgent need to address the shortage of healthcare workers in the state. It called on the government to expedite the recruitment of medical professionals, especially as many retired workers have not been replaced. This workforce gap, they warned, could compromise primary and secondary healthcare delivery across Katsina State.  

In addition to workforce challenges, the Association applauded recent efforts to expand the state’s Drug Procurement Unit but suggested establishing a drug compounding unit to produce essential medicines locally. Such an initiative, they argued, could enhance access to affordable medicines and reduce dependency on external suppliers.  

The Association further proposed that the government allocate land to private training institutions to construct modern facilities conducive to effective teaching and learning. Collaborative efforts between the government and private sector, they stressed, are essential to fostering a robust health education system in Katsina State.  

In his closing remarks, Tukur Shehu, Chairman of the Association, reaffirmed the commitment of private institutions to producing skilled healthcare professionals to serve Katsina State and Nigeria as a whole. He called for collective efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, emphasizing that a well-trained workforce is vital for the health and well-being of the population.