The Bauchi State Government has embarked on a ₦7.8 billion hospital upgrade project to transform the Bauchi Specialist Hospital into a modern healthcare facility that meets international standards. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Speaking during the presentation of Governor Bala Mohammed’s one-year scorecard in the health sector, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed, said the project includes the rehabilitation and re-equipping of the hospital with state-of-the-art medical equipment. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.
In addition, the government has commenced the rehabilitation of 12 general hospitals and 212 primary healthcare centres under the second phase of its healthcare infrastructure development programme.
Dr. Mohammed announced other initiatives, including the installation of solar systems in 27 general hospitals and major health institutions, as well as the approval of the recruitment of 10,000 healthcare workers to address manpower shortages. The administration also extended the retirement age of lecturers in state-owned colleges of health to 65 years to enhance training capacity.
To strengthen the pharmaceutical sector, the state invested ₦250 million in the Bauchi State Agency for Drugs and Medical Consumables and contributed ₦800 million in counterpart funding for the immunisation programme. Additionally, 10,000 heating aid kits were distributed to health facilities in partnership with the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation.
Dr. Mohammed also revealed that new medical oxygen plants were established in Azare, Misau, Ningi, Tafawa Balewa, and at the Bauchi Specialist Hospital, along with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare. Emergency ambulance services have also commenced at the Specialist Hospital and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, offering free treatment for patients during the first 48 hours.
In a related development, Gombe State was recognised for its exceptional progress in healthcare delivery. The state won the “Most Innovative State in Healthcare Delivery Award” and a $4,000 Leadership Challenge Grant from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in partnership with UNICEF.
Gombe’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, highlighted several initiatives that earned the state this national recognition. These include the completion and upgrade of the Kumo, Kaltungo, and Bajoga General Hospitals and the handover of the revitalised Kumo General Hospital to the Federal Government for its conversion into a Federal Medical Centre.
He noted that the facility now supports healthcare delivery and serves as a training ground for students of Lincoln University, Federal University Kashere, and the College of Health Technology, Kaltungo. Other achievements include the establishment of postgraduate programmes in key medical fields and the construction of medical supply warehouses.
Dahiru attributed the state’s success to its alignment with federal healthcare policies, such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the “Primary Healthcare Under One Roof” initiative. He also emphasised the state’s adoption of biometric systems to track healthcare worker productivity and service delivery.
“These innovations reflect our commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations,” he said.
Gombe’s recognition underscores the growing importance of innovative, data-driven, and people-centered approaches in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
