The Niger State Government has unveiled hospital equipment, medical commodities and consumables worth N100 million at the Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital, Bida, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The intervention, procured in collaboration with the Federal Government, is expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality and timely healthcare services, particularly maternal and newborn care, to residents within its catchment area.
Unveiling the items on behalf of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Murtala Bagana, said the intervention demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring that public hospitals were adequately equipped.
Bagana said the equipment represented a significant investment in the state’s healthcare system and would help the hospital respond more effectively to the healthcare needs of the growing population.
According to him, the Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital, Bida, is among 22 general hospitals earmarked for renovation under the state government’s healthcare development programme.
He listed other hospitals slated for similar interventions as those in Kontagora, New Bussa and Sabon Wuse, among others.
The commissioner said the intervention was also part of efforts to expand Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services, including upgrades at the Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, both in Bida.
He said the objective was to contribute to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths in the state.
Bagana noted that the Bida facilities serve communities across Bida, Agaie, Katcha, Gbako, Edati and Lavun local government areas, as well as neighbouring communities in other states.
He said the interventions were expected to benefit a combined catchment population of nearly two million people, including about 400,000 women of childbearing age.
The commissioner said improved capacity at the Federal Medical Centre and General Hospital, Bida, would encourage more women to seek skilled medical care and deliver in health facilities while reducing delays associated with referrals.
Governor Bago, according to Bagana, also reiterated the state government’s commitment to complementing Federal Government interventions through investments in health governance, human-resource development, facility maintenance and the continuous availability of essential medical commodities.
He said the state’s healthcare development efforts were aligned with the broader objectives of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Federal Government’s National Health Compact.
Bago said Niger State was strengthening its institutions and health facilities to contribute to the development of a more resilient and effective national healthcare system.
He emphasised the importance of providing specialised equipment to public health facilities to improve clinical outcomes and restore public confidence in government-owned hospitals.
The intervention received commendation from the traditional institution, with the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr Yahaya Abubakar, expressing appreciation to the state government for its efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
The traditional ruler said the additional equipment and consumables would improve healthcare services in Bida and surrounding communities.
He urged the hospital management to ensure that the equipment was properly utilised and maintained for the benefit of the people.
The Etsu Nupe also encouraged residents, particularly pregnant women, to prioritise regular medical check-ups and patronise government hospitals for safe and professionally supervised deliveries.
The Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Health, Dr Abdullahi Usman Imam; Head of Hospital Services, Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital, Bida, Dr Mohammed Imam; and Chairman of Bida Local Government Council, Muhammad Manko Usman, also commended the intervention.
They praised the state government and the Federal Ministry of Health for their continued collaboration towards improving healthcare delivery in Niger State.
The N100 million intervention is expected to complement the planned renovation of 22 general hospitals, expansion of emergency obstetric and newborn services, human-resource development and efforts to ensure the availability of essential medical commodities across the state.
For residents of Bida and surrounding communities, the intervention is expected to improve access to healthcare, strengthen emergency response, enhance maternal and newborn services and reduce pressure on referral facilities.
The state government, however, faces the task of ensuring that the newly provided equipment remains functional through proper maintenance, adequate staffing and sustained availability of medical supplies.
The intervention is part of the Bago administration’s broader healthcare development agenda, which places emphasis on improving healthcare infrastructure and services as key components of human capital development and improved quality of life for residents.
