Bauchi State Governor Laments Neglect of Century-Old Healthcare Facilities

Strategic Insights -

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, expressed concern over the poor state of the state's tertiary health institutions, citing their high cost of care and neglect. During a routine inspection of the General and Infectious Diseases Hospital in Bayara, the Governor noted that the facility, which has served the state for over a century, has fallen into disrepair. He lamented the neglect of the historic Infectious Diseases Centre, describing it as "comatose" despite frequent procurement requests for maintenance. The Governor also highlighted the issue of Bauchi metropolis lacking a functional general hospital since the state handed over its former Specialist Hospital to the Federal Government.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Governor stated that tertiary health institutions in Bauchi State provide quality healthcare services but are unaffordable to many residents due to widespread poverty.
  • The General and Infectious Diseases Hospital in Bayara, which has served the state for over a century, has fallen into abject neglect.
  • The historic Infectious Diseases Centre is in a poor state, described as "comatose" by the Governor, despite frequent procurement requests for maintenance.
  • Bauchi metropolis lacks a functional general hospital since the state handed over its former Specialist Hospital to the Federal Government.
  • The Governor estimated the population of Bauchi at over two million, with entire areas lacking secondary health facilities.
  • The Governor announced plans to rebuild the Bayara General Hospital, establish cottage hospitals across the city, and improve the welfare and conditions of service for doctors and medical personnel.
  • The state government has already generated internal revenue to fund the projects and aims to deliver a new general hospital before the end of the Governor's tenure.
  • The Governor was accompanied by the Chairman of the Hospital Management Board, Dr Sambo Alkali, and a team of engineers during the inspection.

Statistics:

  • The territory of Bauchi State is home to over two million people, according to the Governor's estimate.
  • The state government has already generated internal revenue to fund the planned health projects.
  • The General and Infectious Diseases Hospital in Bayara has served the state for over a century.

Sources:

  • Bauchi State Government