The Niger State Government has completed and commissioned the first phase of the remodelling of General Hospital, Minna, upgrading key wards and paving the way for the expansion of the hospital’s bed capacity from 368 to 500.
The remodelled facilities were inaugurated by Fatima Mohammed Bago, wife of the Niger State Governor, as part of activities marking the hospital’s 100th anniversary. The upgraded facilities include the male and female medical wards, male and female surgical wards, paediatric medical and surgical wards, as well as the paediatric emergency unit.
Speaking during the inauguration, Fatima Bago said the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring residents have access to quality medical care.
“Every investment in healthcare is an investment in human life. These upgraded facilities represent hope for thousands of residents who deserve quality, timely and compassionate healthcare,” she said.
She also commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for sustaining investments in the health sector under the New Niger Agenda.
The Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, described the project as the first phase of a comprehensive transformation of the hospital. He said the remaining phases would provide modern operating theatres, an accident and emergency complex, improved outpatient clinics, advanced diagnostic facilities, renewable energy systems, staff accommodation and enhanced waste management facilities.
According to him, the ongoing expansion will increase the hospital’s capacity from 368 to 500 beds, making it the largest referral hospital in North Central Nigeria.
Bagana further disclosed that the state government had procured 2,000 hospital beds and 40 wheelchairs for distribution to the state’s 22 general hospitals. He added that malaria medicines and other essential medical commodities worth more than ₦2.5 billion would also be distributed across the state’s 25 local government areas through a partnership with the Malaria Consortium.
The remodelling project was initiated during the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello and completed by the present administration as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the state.
The Managing Director of General Hospital, Minna, Dr. Muhammad Isah, described the completion of the project as a timely intervention that would improve patient care and provide a better working environment for healthcare workers.
The Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Alheri, said the investment would further improve healthcare services and enhance residents’ access to quality medical care.
Established in 1926 as a medical facility for railway workers during the colonial era, General Hospital, Minna, has grown into one of the state’s leading public healthcare institutions, providing both primary and specialised medical services to residents of Niger State and neighbouring states.
