…As Minister Assures Quick Take-Off
Yunusa Isa, Gombe
The Federal Government has expressed its satisfaction with the infrastructure, facilities, and equipment at Kumo General Hospital in Gombe State, which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently upgraded to a Federal Medical Centre..
A delegation led by the Director-General of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salawudden, representing the Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, visited Kumo to assess the hospital’s readiness.
During the inspection, the Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, guided the team through the 200-bed capacity hospital, showcasing its advanced equipment and facilities.
Following the tour, Dr. Salaudden conveyed the team’s positive impressions. “We are truly impressed by what we have seen here. The buildings and overall infrastructure are new, thoughtfully designed, well-ventilated, and have solar power backup,” he remarked.
He further noted the operational status of the facility and its modern equipment in areas such as the operating theater, radiology department, and administrative offices, describing it as “marvelous.”
Dr. Salaudden commended the Gombe State government for its high level of preparedness, which he deemed crucial for the teaching hospital’s successful commencement.
“Based on what I have observed, services will begin here very soon, and I anticipate that with this promising start, the potential for growth is immense. This facility could very well become a regional medical center for the Northeast sub-region,” he added.
Dr. Salaudden explained that the initial assessment revealed Gombe State’s near readiness for the transition, with significant groundwork already completed. He stated that this visit would ensure all necessary requirements are met, with a subsequent visit planned for the formal handover, including staff documentation and their integration into the federal civil service.
Other prerequisites include the provision of necessary utilities, allocation of land for future expansion, an official excerpt from the State Executive Council’s decision, and evidence of legislative approval transferring the property to the Federal Government.
During a courtesy visit with the delegation, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the hospital’s upgrade. He voiced optimism that this development would lead to improved health outcomes and enhanced service delivery for residents within and beyond the state.
Prior to the hospital tour, the delegation also met with the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, at the government house. Dr. Jimoh Salaudden briefed him on the committee’s requirements and conditions for the final takeover from the state government.
Professor Njodi highlighted the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment at the new teaching hospital, affirming that it was prepared to commence operations imminently.
In his vote of thanks, His Royal Highness the Lamido Akko, Alhaji Umar Muhammad Atiku, lauded the initiative, anticipating that the facility would positively impact the socio-economic landscape of the community and the state. He assured the community’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for the hospital’s effective operation.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for the upgrade and conversion of the hospital, while also acknowledging Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s contributions to the people of the state, particularly in the realm of healthcare services.