The Kaduna State government, on Thursday, inaugurated the newly upgraded Audiology and Speech Therapy Centre at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH), Kaduna. The facility’s transformation, made possible through the philanthropic support of MAMIA Seeds Oil Ltd, underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing healthcare delivery in the state.
Commissioning the centre, the Commissioner of Health, Umma K. Ahmed, commended MAMIA Seeds Oil Ltd for their generous contribution, describing the initiative as a shining example of corporate social responsibility.
“This upgrade is a clear demonstration of how businesses can play a pivotal role in complementing government efforts to improve the quality of life for our citizens,” she said. “MAMIA Seeds Oil Ltd has shown a remarkable commitment to fostering a healthier and more inclusive society.”
The Commissioner also lauded Governor Uba Sani’s administration for its steadfast commitment to strengthening Kaduna’s healthcare infrastructure. She noted that the upgraded facility aligns with the government’s vision of providing equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents.
Ahmed urged stakeholders to view the milestone as a stepping stone toward building a healthier Kaduna.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Prof. Musa Tabari, described the audiology centre as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. He highlighted its expanded capacity to deliver specialized services, including audiology care for adults and children, speech-language therapy, ENT clinical and surgical services, and advanced endoscopic procedures.
Prof. Tabari further emphasized the centre’s potential as a hub for research and training in hearing and speech health, capable of serving not only Nigerians but also patients from neighbouring countries who previously lacked access to such specialized care.
He called on other philanthropists, organizations, and corporate entities to emulate MAMIA Seeds Oil Ltd by investing in healthcare infrastructure to drive societal progress.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by a team of skilled professionals, the upgraded centre is now poised to address hearing and speech impairments comprehensively. These conditions, which can significantly affect education, communication, and social interactions, will be tackled through a range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services.
The commissioning ceremony attracted dignitaries from various sectors, including senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Usman Musa, representatives of MAMIA Seeds Oil Ltd, and other stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
This upgrade marks a significant milestone in Kaduna State’s quest to provide innovative and accessible healthcare solutions, setting a benchmark for similar initiatives across Nigeria.
