The Katsina State Government has approved the procurement of additional equipment for the Advanced Imaging and Cancer Centre at the General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, Katsina.
The move is aimed at expanding access to specialised healthcare and reducing medical tourism.
The approval was one of the major decisions reached at the 14th Regular Meeting of the Katsina State Executive Council for 2026, held on Thursday at the Government House, Katsina, under the chairmanship of Governor Dikko Umar Radda.
Speaking on the health sector approval, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Lawal Rabe, said the additional equipment would enhance the capacity of the newly established centre to deliver a broad range of specialised services.
He said the centre would provide medical, surgical, imaging, diagnostic and laboratory services, while having the capacity to admit at least 80 patients.
“The equipment would expand the centre’s capacity to provide modern medical, surgical, imaging, diagnostic and laboratory services.
He explained further that the investment is intended to strengthen the state’s ability to provide advanced healthcare services locally, particularly for patients who would otherwise have to travel outside Katsina or Nigeria.
“The initiative is aimed at strengthening access to specialised healthcare services within Katsina State and reducing the need for residents to seek treatment outside the country,” he said.
Rabe said the project would also contribute significantly to reducing medical tourism, which places additional financial pressure on patients and their families who travel abroad for specialised care.
The approval is expected to further position GARSH as a major referral facility for advanced diagnosis and treatment, particularly in areas requiring specialised imaging, laboratory and cancer-care services.
The latest intervention underscores the Katsina government’s continued emphasis on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to specialised medical services within the state.