Relocated Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Resumes Full Medical Services
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
In a decisive step toward strengthening healthcare delivery in Nasarawa State, medical services have officially resumed at the temporary site of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital following its relocation from Lafia Road to the renovated former General Hospital along Keffi Road in Akwanga.
The relocation marks the beginning of a major transformation project aimed at upgrading the original facility into a fully-fledged specialist hospital capable of meeting the growing healthcare demands of the region.
The initiative, championed by Abdullahi Sule, reflects the state government’s commitment to expanding access to advanced medical care.
A Modern Facility from a Former Relic
Once in a state of serious disrepair, the old General Hospital on Keffi Road has undergone extensive renovation, emerging as a modern healthcare facility equipped to provide a wide range of essential services. A visit to the temporary site reveals that critical units, including emergency care, maternity services, outpatient clinics, radiology, laboratory services, surgery, dental care, ENT services, and X-ray—are already fully operational.
This swift transformation has ensured continuity in healthcare delivery, minimizing disruption for residents who depend on the hospital for routine and specialized medical care.
Specialist Services Expand in April.
Beginning this April, the hospital will witness an influx of consultants across multiple specialties, including gastroenterology, paediatrics, general surgery, family medicine, ENT, dentistry, ophthalmology, anaesthesiology, gynaecology, radiology, urology, and endocrinology.
This development signals a transition toward more comprehensive and specialized healthcare services within the locality.
Leadership Driving Healthcare Excellence
At the forefront of this transition is the Chief Medical Director, Esala E. Abene, whose hands-on leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the temporary facility.
Through routine inspections and departmental oversight, Dr. Abene continues to uphold high standards of service delivery.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Health, Gaza Gwamna, emphasized during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony that the ultimate goal is to establish a tertiary-level healthcare hub.
According to him, the upgraded facility will significantly reduce the need for referrals to cities such as Jos and Abuja for complex medical cases.
From Model Hospital to Specialist Hub
Originally commissioned on May 26, 2019, the Lafia Road facility stood as a model hospital serving the Nasarawa North senatorial zone. However, increasing patient demand and the need for advanced care necessitated its upgrade to specialist status.
The ongoing project includes large-scale construction, installation of cutting-edge medical equipment, and the recruitment of highly skilled healthcare professionals,approvals already granted by the state government.
Hope for a Healthier Future
As operations continue seamlessly at the temporary site, residents of Akwanga and surrounding communities are optimistic about the future.
The ongoing upgrade promises not only improved healthcare access but also a significant leap toward making Nasarawa State a center for advanced medical services.
When completed, the new Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital is expected to stand as one of the most sophisticated healthcare institutions in the state—ushering in a new era of quality, accessible, and specialized medical care.
