05/06/2026
HEALING ZAMFARA: HOW GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL REBUILT THE STATE’S HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN THREE YEARS.
When Governor Dauda Lawal took office, Zamfara State’s healthcare system was in a critical condition. Decades of neglect had left hospitals bare, equipment broken, and medical professionals fleeing the state in search of better working conditions. In fact, according to the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, the entire Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, the state's flagship medical facility, was relying on just a single ultrasound machine.
Fast forward three years, and the story has completely changed. Through aggressive reforms, strategic funding, and a genuine commitment to human welfare, Governor Lawal has orchestrated a massive turnaround in Zamfara’s medical landscape.
Here is a look at how the administration revived healthcare delivery across the state.
Breathing New Life into State Hospitals
The days of Zamfara residents traveling long distances to neighboring states like Sokoto, Kaduna, or Zaria for basic medical scans are coming to an end. The Lawal administration has focused heavily on upgrading existing infrastructure and bringing world class diagnostics home.
The Transformation of Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital
Once a symbol of a struggling system, the specialist hospital has been transformed into a modern, fully equipped medical hub that can compete with any facility in Nigeria. The state has outfitted the hospital with advanced diagnostic technology, including modern MRI machines, CT scans, and endoscopy equipment.
Upgrading General Hospitals
The sweeping renovations didn't stop at the capital. More than 12 General Hospitals across the state have been completely overhauled and equipped with modern facilities. Notably, the General Hospital in Talata Mafara has been so thoroughly modernized that it is now rated as one of the finest hospital facilities in the country.
Strengthening Grassroots Care
To ensure that rural communities aren't left behind, Governor Lawal's administration has renovated and equipped over 100 Primary Healthcare Centers spread across all 14 Local Government Areas. This ensures that basic, life saving care is always within reach for everyday citizens.
Empowering the Medical Workforce
A hospital is only as good as the people working inside it. Recognizing that poor welfare had caused a massive brain drain of doctors and nurses, Governor Lawal took decisive steps to make Zamfara an attractive place for medical professionals to work.
Zamfara now offers one of the highest salary packages for healthcare workers in Nigeria, effectively halting the brain drain and attracting top tier talent back to the state. Thanks to these improved conditions, every single hospital in the state is now staffed with qualified medical doctors.
In a major boost to morale, the Governor cleared the long overdue retirement benefits of healthcare professionals and other civil servants across the state.
Furthermore, the State Ministry of Health itself received a complete makeover. Offices were renovated, new equipment was provided, and wireless internet was installed to streamline administrative work and boost productivity.
Expanding Access and Financial Protection: The ZAMCHEMA Success
A key pillar of Governor Lawal’s healthcare agenda is ensuring that citizens can actually afford medical treatment.
Through the Zamfara State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (ZAMCHEMA), the administration has shattered expectations by enrolling over 300,000 beneficiaries, including civil servants, low-income individuals, and vulnerable populations.
This massive rollout has significantly reduced out of pocket medical spending, protecting families from financial ruin during health crises. To sustain this momentum, the state has strengthened critical ties with international development partners like. WHO, UNICEF, and ACASUS to boost healthcare funding and resources.
Additionally, the administration upgraded the ZAMCHEMA Toll Free Call Center to ensure citizens can easily lodge complaints, give feedback, and resolve issues instantly.
A Healthier Future for Zamfara
By establishing localized diagnostic centers, upgrading rural clinics, and taking proper care of medical staff, Governor Dauda Lawal has brought quality, affordable healthcare straight to the doorsteps of the people.
Three years ago, Zamfara's health sector was on life support.
Today, thanks to deliberate and compassionate leadership, it is thriving, resilient, and built to serve generations to come.
Suleman Isah, ANIPR
Information/Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Health Zamfara State.