By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Government has commissioned newly remodelled facilities at the General Hospital, Minna, ...
The Niger State Government has commissioned newly remodelled facilities at the General Hospital, Minna, as part of activities marking the centenary of the state's oldest healthcare institution.
Established in 1926 during the colonial era as a medical centre for railway workers, the hospital has since evolved into a government-owned healthcare facility providing primary and secondary specialised medical services.
The remodelled facilities commissioned include the male and female medical wards, male and female surgical wards, paediatric surgical ward, paediatric medical ward and the Emergency Paediatric Unit. The project, initiated during the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, forms part of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's commitment to building a resilient healthcare system.
Speaking at the inauguration, the wife of the governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, described the project as a significant milestone, saying the upgraded facilities represent renewed hope for thousands of residents who deserve quality, timely and compassionate healthcare in a safe and dignified environment.
She said the project symbolises hope, compassion and purposeful leadership, noting that every investment in healthcare is ultimately an investment in human lives, family well-being and the future of society.
Hajiya Fatima Bago commended Governor Bago's vision, stating that the transformation of the General Hospital reflects his commitment to improving healthcare delivery and demonstrates that the health and well-being of the people remain a priority under the New Niger Agenda.
The Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Dangana, said the commissioning marks the completion of the first phase of the hospital's remodelling, with additional phases planned to achieve a comprehensive transformation of the facility.
According to him, the project aims to expand the hospital's capacity from its current 368 beds to a 500-bed referral hospital, making it the largest in North Central Nigeria. He added that the upgrade would also pave the way for the commencement of a residency training programme and serve as a temporary site for a medical school.
He further disclosed that subsequent phases of the project would include the construction of modern operating theatres, a state-of-the-art Accident and Emergency Complex, expanded outpatient services, renewable energy and waste management systems, advanced diagnostic facilities and additional staff accommodation.
The commissioner also revealed that Governor Bago had procured 2,000 high-quality hospital beds for distribution across the state's 22 general hospitals, alongside 40 wheelchairs. He added that the state government is partnering with the Malaria Consortium to distribute malaria medicines and other essential medical commodities valued at over ₦2.5 billion across the 25 local government areas.
The Managing Director of General Hospital Minna, Dr. Muhammad Isah, appreciated the governor for the intervention, describing it as timely and a clear demonstration of the administration's commitment to improving the welfare of the people.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Alheri, commended Governor Bago's leadership and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people through impactful, people-centred policies.
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