…As Minister Applauds Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s Trailblazing Strides in Health Sector
Gombe State and the Federal Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the takeover of the newly built General Hospital, Kumo, paving the way for its conversion into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and the immediate commencement of its operations.
The hospital, which was constructed and fully equipped with advanced medical facilities by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration, is now set to serve as a major referral centre for the North East.
The MoU was formalised at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare headquarters in Abuja, with Governor Yahaya, CON, signing on behalf of Gombe State, and Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako, signing on behalf of the Federal Government.
Also present at the ceremony were Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs Daju Kachallom.
Governor Yahaya described the development as a major step forward in his administration’s plan to strengthen healthcare delivery, not just for Gombe residents but for the entire North East region.
“This hospital is not just for the people of Gombe State. Given Gombe’s central location in the subregion, it will serve as a critical referral facility for the entire North East and beyond,” he said.
The Governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the hospital’s conversion and reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to fully support the implementation of the agreement.
He reflected on the state of the health sector his government met on assumption of office and recounted the strides taken to transform it, including sweeping reforms in Primary Health Care (PHC). His administration has delivered at least two fully functional PHCs in each of the state’s 114 wards, achieved through targeted investments and strategic partnerships.
Yahaya also pointed to the reconstruction and establishment of three cutting-edge General Hospitals, one in each senatorial district, as part of a comprehensive agenda to increase access to essential and specialist medical services.
Dr Salako praised Governor Yahaya’s vision and achievements in repositioning healthcare delivery in Gombe, especially at the primary care level.
“In the health sector, you have been outstanding and consistently setting the pace. We appreciate your commitment and partnership. Your administration reflects the spirit of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by delivering impactful projects that directly improve citizens’ lives,” the Minister stated.
He confirmed that the Kumo facility would be the 16th Federal Hospital established under the current administration and assured that resources, personnel, and equipment would be mobilised swiftly to ensure the centre becomes operational without delay.
Dr Salako also responded positively to Governor Yahaya’s request for Federal Government collaboration on the Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre in Kaltungo, pledging the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening that critical facility.
Earlier, Mrs Kachallom, the Permanent Secretary, commended the synergy between Gombe State and the Federal Government, describing it as a model for bridging healthcare access gaps across Nigeria.
