For many years, Kwara State's public health facilities suffered from neglect, with broken equipment, overstretched workers, and limited specialist services. However, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, a transformation is underway, marked by upgraded hospitals, improved outcomes, and renewed confidence from development partners.
Primary Healthcare Revitalisation
The administration began by rebuilding the primary healthcare system. Nearly 200 primary healthcare centres have been renovated, equipped, and solarised through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, the World Bank-assisted IMPACT Project, and state resources. Of these, 83 have been upgraded to modern Level-Two facilities with labour rooms, laboratories, pharmacies, immunisation units, clean water, reliable electricity, staff quarters, and perimeter fencing. Communities like Alapa, Magaji Ngeri, Ago Oja, Aboto-Alfa, Ijagbo, Babanloma, Oro, and Lade now have functional health facilities delivering quality services closer to the people.
Secondary and Tertiary Upgrades
General hospitals in Patigi, Lafiagi, Kaiama, Yashikira, Oro, and other areas have undergone major upgrades. The former General Hospital, Ilorin, has been transformed into the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), positioning it as a centre for specialist healthcare and medical education. The ultramodern Intensive Care Unit at KWASUTH, commissioned by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is the largest in North Central Nigeria, expanding capacity to manage critically ill patients and reducing emergency referrals outside the state.
Modern Diagnostics and Oncology
The government procured a state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI machine and a 160-slice CT scanner, strengthening diagnosis of neurological, oncological, and spinal conditions. Modern ultrasound machines and ophthalmic equipment have been distributed. A state-of-the-art Oncology Centre is under construction in partnership with ASR Africa, which will improve access to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Workforce Welfare and Training
To address the migration of health workers, the administration implemented full CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures with hazard allowances. Hundreds of healthcare workers have been recruited, with additional nurses being employed. Dozens of midwives have been trained in Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care, and hundreds of health workers have received training in nutrition, immunisation, quality improvement, and disease surveillance. Kwara became the first state in Nigeria to commence payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund in 2025.
Health Insurance and Outreach
Through the KwaraCare Health Insurance Scheme, over 100,000 residents, particularly the poor and vulnerable, now access essential healthcare without out-of-pocket expenses. Regional offices have expanded access, making Kwara a leading example in universal health coverage. In 2025, the annual free medico-surgical outreach benefited more than 10,000 residents across all 16 local government areas with free consultations, surgeries, medications, and eye care services. Ambulances have been deployed across all local governments, supported by outreach vans and digital tools.
Measurable Outcomes
Kwara has consistently ranked among Nigeria's best-performing states in primary healthcare delivery, winning the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge several times and attracting over $1.4 million in incentive funding. Immunisation coverage has surpassed national targets, and nearly half a million children have received Vitamin A supplementation and deworming medication. Kwara records one of the lowest under-five mortality rates in Nigeria. Development partners like the World Bank and UNICEF have renewed confidence in the state's reforms.
In 2025, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq received the Nigerian Medical Association's Award of Excellent Service for his contributions to healthcare and human capital development. While challenges remain, the administration's response has been steady and verifiable. As public affairs commentator Hassan Olayinka notes, "For thousands of Kwarans who can now access quality healthcare closer to home, healthcare has ceased to be a promise. It is steadily becoming a reality."
