Senator Katung Secures #8billion Medical Equipment Deal to Boost 10 Kaduna Hospitals

By Abubakar Labaran

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, has entered into a five-year partnership with Project CURE, a United States-based humanitarian organisation, to supply medical equipment valued at approximately $5.5 million (about ₦8 billion) to 10 general hospitals across the district.

The lawmaker disclosed this on Wednesday following an on-site needs assessment tour of five general hospitals in Kagarko, Kachia, Sanga, Kafanchan and Zonkwa.

Speaking with journalists after the visit, Katung said the intervention was designed to address critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure and improve service delivery in public hospitals.

“For too long, our general hospitals have struggled with obsolete or inadequate equipment. This partnership is part of our deliberate effort to reverse that trend and ensure that our people receive quality healthcare closer to home,” he said.

Katung explained that the five hospitals assessed would serve as reference facilities for others slated to benefit from the first phase of the intervention.

Following a review meeting, Project CURE agreed to increase the number of shipping containers to at least 11 in order to meet demand across the 10 hospitals, including the proposed inclusion of St. Louis Hospital, Zonkwa.

“We are not just donating equipment; we are ensuring that what is supplied meets the specific needs of each hospital. That is why this assessment is critical. We want functional equipment that will directly impact patient care,” he added.

Describing the partnership as a long-term commitment rather than a one-off gesture, the senator said: “This is a five-year partnership with Project CURE. It guarantees continuity, monitoring and sustainability. Our goal is to build a healthcare system that our people can trust and rely on.”

Rose Polycarp, Team Lead of Project CURE, said the equipment would be delivered within three to six months. She commended the senator for facilitating the collaboration and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting sustainable healthcare development in the district.

Each container, she noted, contains medical equipment valued at $500,000, with a minimum of 11 containers expected under the agreement.

The Executive Chairman of Jema’a Local Government Area, Hon. Peter Tanko Dogara, described the initiative as both timely and impactful.

“This intervention is coming at a very crucial time. Our hospitals have dedicated health workers, but they are limited by inadequate equipment. With this support, we are confident that service delivery will improve significantly,” he said.

Dogara added that improved healthcare infrastructure would reduce costly referrals to distant facilities and ease the financial burden on families.

“When our hospitals are properly equipped, our people will no longer need to travel long distances for basic medical services. This will save lives, reduce costs and restore confidence in our public health institutions,” he said.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Engr. Bege Joseph Gaiya, praised the senator’s efforts, describing the partnership as responsive and people-centred.

“This is what representation should be about—identifying the needs of the people and taking practical steps to address them. The healthcare sector is fundamental to community development,” Gaiya said.

He noted that the intervention would complement ongoing state government efforts to strengthen primary and secondary healthcare services.

Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly representing Jema’a, Sanga, Zangon Kataf and Jaba constituencies also commended the initiative, describing it as responsive representation focused on improving constituents’ welfare.

The intervention is expected to significantly enhance the capacity of beneficiary hospitals, improve patient outcomes, and establish a sustainable framework for healthcare support under the five-year partnership