Gov. Sule Approves Over N100m Medical Equipment for Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Akwanga
CMD says procurement will strengthen tertiary healthcare services as hospital prepares for full specialist operations.
Gov. Sule Approves Over N100m Medical Equipment for Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Akwanga
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Nasarawa State Government has procured medical equipment worth over ₦100 million for the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Akwanga, in a move aimed at strengthening tertiary healthcare delivery across the state.
The equipment, representing the initial 70 per cent of the hospital's short-term equipment needs, has been delivered to the hospital's temporary site in Akwanga.
Receiving the equipment, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr. Esala E. Abene, disclosed that Governor Abdullahi Sule approved the procurement as part of efforts to ensure the smooth take-off of specialist healthcare services at the facility.
He commended the governor for his commitment to improving the state's health sector through timely intervention and strategic investment in medical infrastructure.
Dr. Abene also praised the Commissioner for Health for constituting a transitional technical committee before the establishment of the specialist hospital.
He said the committee assessed the anticipated gaps that would arise following the transition of General Hospital Akwanga into a specialist hospital and the eventual cessation of specialist services at DASH Lafia.
According to him, the committee identified critical needs in human resources and medical equipment required for the successful operation of the hospital.
"For a general hospital to become a specialist hospital, there must be a specific set of equipment. Since the permanent site of the specialist hospital is still under construction, we needed short-term equipment to sustain quality healthcare services, and Governor Abdullahi Sule graciously approved the procurement," he said.
The CMD disclosed that some of the newly acquired equipment have already been deployed to the ophthalmology, laboratory and radiology departments, while others will continue to serve the hospital after it relocates to its permanent site.
He urged members of staff to ensure the proper handling and maintenance of the equipment to guarantee efficient service delivery for residents of Nasarawa State and neighbouring communities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Rimini Kefas Manchunga, called on staff to use the equipment responsibly and maintain them properly.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Abdullahi Sule and the hospital management for facilitating the procurement, describing it as a significant boost to healthcare delivery in the state.
