By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and combating Tuberculosis (TB) with the installation of a Portable Digital X-Ray Machine with Artificial Intelligence at Filin Mushe Primary Healthcare Centre in Gwale Local Government Area.
The event, which took place at Filin Mushe Primary Healthcare Centre, highlights Kano’s leadership role in TB detection and prevention nationwide. Through a strategic collaboration with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTP), the Kano State Government has installed over 20 Portable Digital X-Ray Machines across selected Primary Healthcare Centres in the state to enhance early detection and curb the spread of Tuberculosis.
In a statement signed by public relations officer state ministry for health Nabilisi Abubakar Kofar Na’isa said Kano State emerged as the first and best-performing state in Tuberculosis control in Nigeria, a recognition that underscores the state’s aggressive and innovative approach in tackling the disease. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, received the prestigious award on behalf of Governor Alhaji Kabir Yusuf.
In his remarks, the Ward Development Committee (WDC) Chairman of Gwale, Malam Zahraddeen Umar, expressed appreciation to the Kano State Government for siting the advanced diagnostic machine at Filin Mushe PHC. He appealed to the government to support the maintenance and sustainability of the equipment.
“As a Ward Development Committee, we will do everything within our capacity to ensure the machine functions effectively and serves the people of Gwale Local Government as intended,” he stated.
He further appealed to the state government to consider the employment of the current temporary staff working at the facility, urging that they be made permanent and pensionable to ensure the smooth and sustainable operation of the machine.
Responding, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, expressed delight over the installation of the machine, describing Portable Digital X-Ray Machine as one of the latest innovations in modern medical technology globally.
He explained that the Artificial Intelligence-powered machine is specifically designed to enhance early detection of Tuberculosis and prevent its spread within communities.
“Kano State is ranked first in Nigeria in TB case detection and prevention due to the dedication and commitment of our healthcare workers. The Kano State Government continues to provide all necessary support to ensure effective healthcare service delivery,” the Commissioner stated.
He emphasized that the Portable Digital X-Ray Machine with Artificial Intelligence installed at Filin Mushe PHC is highly sophisticated and costly, therefore requiring proper monitoring, protection, and maintenance by the community and health workers.
The Commissioner further assured that the state government would take necessary steps to absorb the existing temporary staff into permanent and pensionable positions to strengthen service delivery and guarantee the long-term success of the facility.
The installation of the AI-powered diagnostic machine marks another significant step in Kano State’s drive toward improved primary healthcare services and the elimination of Tuberculosis as a public health threat.
