By Khalid Idris Doya The Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Prof. Yusuf B...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Prof. Yusuf Bara Jibrin, has emphasised that healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right of every citizen.
Speaking at a stakeholders' town hall meeting in Bauchi yesterday organised by the hospital to strengthen relations with the public, he reaffirmed the hospital's mission to save lives, advance medical research and training, and ensure that every patient receives quality healthcare.
Speaking on "Sustaining Healthcare Excellence through Strategic Collaboration" at ATBU Teaching Hospital Bauchi (ATBUTH), CMD Dr. Bara Jibrin called on stakeholders to support efforts in delivering quality healthcare service, saying that stressed that healthcare sustainability is a shared responsibility that cannot be shouldered by health workers, hospital management, or the government alone.
He said, "A robust healthcare system does not discriminate based on financial status. ATBUTH's initiatives free emergency care, subsidised dialysis, and maternal healthcare programs demonstrate that access to quality care should be a right, not a privilege."
Jibrin urged policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to transition from passive observation to active engagement, adding that, "Criticism without contribution leads nowhere. The question we must ask ourselves is: How am I contributing to the solution?"
He further highlighted that investing in healthcare is not just about treating illnesses but about building a healthier, more productive nation, "The resilience of a society is reflected in the strength of its healthcare institutions."
Prof. Jibrin appealed to the public to always direct their complaints through appropriate channels, such as the hospital’s Public Relations Unit, for proper solutions rather than resorting to social media for criticism.
He emphasised that sustainable healthcare requires a multi-sectoral approach, where the government, private sector, NGOs, and the public collaborate to bridge gaps and enhance service delivery.
He assured the public that the hospital takes strict measures to hold any negligent staff accountable to ensure continuous improvement in performance. According to him, efforts are already underway to address complaints regarding the shortage of hospital beds.
Tracing the history of ATBUTH, he highlighted that the institution began in 1908 as a leprosarium, initially serving individuals with leprosy before evolving into a national healthcare hub. Over the years, ATBUTH has grown into a general hospital that continuously expands its services to meet the healthcare needs of the community.
"A pivotal milestone was reached when the Federal Government and Bauchi State Government signed an MoU, laying the foundation for ATBUTH’s transformation into a Teaching Hospital. It was later designated as Nigeria’s 18th Federal Teaching Hospital," Prof. Bara explained.
Prof. Yusuf Bara Jibrin said, "ATBUTH solidified its role as a center for advanced medical research, specialised healthcare services, training the next generation of medical professionals, and today stands as an 850-bed medical institution, serving over 9 million people across Bauchi, Jigawa, Gombe, Plateau, Yobe, Taraba, and Kano States."
Prof. Bara reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to modern healthcare solutions to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
CMD added that Lassa Fever management pioneering research and treatment strategies have significantly reduced mortality rates, saying that ATBUTH performed the first laser surgery for kidney stones and prostate enlargement in Northeastern Nigeria.
He further said in collaboration with ATBU College of Medical Sciences, ATBUTH College of Nursing Sciences, and the School of Health Information Management, the hospital trains over 300 healthcare professionals annually.
According to him, under National Emergency Medical Service & Ambulance System (NEMSAS) that commenced in December 2024, to date, 76 patients have been transported from their homes and managed for free in the first 48 hours in ATBUTH
"Free Emergency Care for the First 48 Hours started in December, 2024 To date the program admitted and managed more than 350 Emergencies emanated from Road Traffic & Accident, Medical and surgical Emergencies."
He further announced that the hospital has subsidized Kidney Dialysis from 45,000 reduced to N12,000 per session, "The program started in January 2025, to date 227 patients have been managed under this program."
"Free Cesarean Section (C/S) for Underprivileged Women which started in November, 2024. To date, 468 patients have benefited, ranging from Caesarean Section, Exploratory, Laparotomy, Hysterectomy, MVA, Episiotomy and Assisted Deliveries."
Speaking during the meeting, the Bauchi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Corps Commander Intifanus Ibrahim, praised ATBUTH for its effective collaboration in providing emergency healthcare for accident victims.
He noted that the hospital has never rejected any accident victims, which is commendable.
The sector commander explained that the sector command has a good working relationship with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi, and they haven't had any rejection from the hospital for any accident victim brought to the hospital, he commended the hospital for that.
He explained that the command is doing well in the rescue operations, as the teaching hospital is also rendering not just healthcare services, but also quality health service delivery.
Meanwhile, the District Head of Bauchi Township, Alh. Nuru Adamu Jumba, acknowledged that he initially came to the meeting with grievances. However, after hearing positive testimonials from other stakeholders, he decided to reserve his concerns for another time.
He urged hospital personnel, particularly those in the emergency department, to address issues of inadequate hospital beds and improve patient care.
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