Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara said his government is transforming the Specialist Hospital in Gusau into a University Teaching Hospital.
This is contained in a statement issued by Suleiman Idris, the Governor’s media aide, on Friday.
Lawal stated this at the inauguration of the facility upgrade of the lone state-owned tertiary healthcare institution, code-named ‘Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital’ in Gusau.
According to him, upgrading the hospital will transform it into a teaching hospital at Zamfara University.
Lawal reassured that the process would improve the referral system for specialised care, increase the healthcare workforce, and enhance service quality, resulting in better health outcomes.
“We are here today to flag off the remodelling, upgrading, and equipping of Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau.
” The work will also consist of acquiring medical equipment for the hospital.
“This project is a follow-up to our declaration of a state of emergency on the State’s health sector after that of education,” Lawal said.
He said the project was necessitated by the enormous challenges his administration inherited in the sector.
” The hospital is in a dire state despite its vital role in providing quality healthcare services to residents and visitors alike.
” Many of its structures are in disrepair, indicating an urgent need for attention.
” Additionally, the hospital lacks adequate laboratory facilities, hindering the staff’s ability to carry out essential diagnostic procedures effectively,” the governor said.
Lawal said the aim was to safeguard the health and well-being of both the residents and healthcare service providers.
“It will also proactively address, manage, and ultimately control the incidences of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
“We intend to have a comprehensive healthcare approach that will encompass a spectrum of essential services.
“This will include the provision of essential medicines, preventive measures, repositioning of health policies, and implementation of protocols on water sanitation and hygiene standards.
“Treatment of health conditions, immunization programs, comprehensive antenatal services, related nutrition intervention as well as strengthening of healthcare financing contributory model, ” he added.
Lawal said the components of the remodelling project would include new constructions, expansion and upgrading of the existing structures.
Others include completion of Doctors’ Quarters, modern Laboratory Imaging Facilities and a complete Hospital Information Management system, among others. (NAN)
