The Niger State Government has taken another step towards improving access to quality healthcare with the unveiling of hospital equipment, medical commodities and consumables valued at N100 million for the Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital, Bida.
The intervention, secured through collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, is expected to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide essential medical services, particularly maternal and newborn care, to residents of Bida and surrounding communities.
Speaking at the unveiling, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammad Murtala Bagana, explained that the intervention was part of his administration’s broader efforts to ensure that public health facilities have the necessary resources to respond effectively to the healthcare needs of citizens.
He described the initiative as an investment in the wellbeing of mothers, newborns, families and communities across the state, stressing that a well-equipped health facility would contribute significantly to reducing preventable deaths.
The governor disclosed that Bida General Hospital is among 22 general hospitals across Niger State slated for renovation, alongside facilities in Kontagora, New Bussa and Sabon Wuse.
According to him, the planned intervention will also strengthen Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) through critical upgrades at the facility and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida.
He added that the move was aimed at improving access to timely emergency care and reducing delays in referrals, particularly for pregnant women and newborns.
Bago further stated that the two facilities would provide essential clinical support to communities across Bida, Agaie, Katcha, Gbako, Edati, Lavun and neighbouring areas.
He said the combined interventions are expected to impact nearly two million people, including about 400,000 women of reproductive age, while encouraging more residents to seek care and embrace safe institutional deliveries.
He reaffirmed the state government’s determination to complement Federal Government interventions with investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, facility maintenance and the continuous availability of medical commodities.
The governor explained that the state’s partnership with the Federal Government reflects its commitment to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the National Health Compact.
Governor Bago further stressed that strengthening healthcare institutions at the state and local levels would contribute to building a stronger and more responsive national health system.
In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended the state government for its investments in the health sector, saying the additional equipment and medical supplies would improve the quality of services available to residents of Bida and neighbouring communities.
The traditional ruler urged the hospital management to ensure the proper utilisation and maintenance of the items, while encouraging pregnant women and other residents to seek medical attention promptly and patronise government health facilities.
Also speaking, 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; Chairman of Bida Local Government Council, Muhammad Manko Usman; and representatives of supporting partners commended the state government and the Federal Ministry of Health for supporting efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
According to the state government, the intervention underscores its resolve to strengthen public health facilities, improve the availability of essential medical supplies and build a more efficient healthcare system for residents of Niger State.
