The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Plateau Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, has disclosed that a bill seeking to upgrade the hospital to a teaching hospital has been submitted to the Plateau State House of Assembly.
Yilgwan made the announcement on Thursday in Jos during the hospital’s 2025 end-of-year get-together and retirees’ award night.
He described the move as a major step toward strengthening medical education, research, and healthcare delivery in Plateau State. According to him, the proposed upgrade would enable the hospital to train medical students and other health professionals while improving specialist services and partnerships.
“The upgrade is expected to position Plateau Specialist Hospital as a key centre for medical training and advanced healthcare. Transforming the hospital into a teaching hospital will enhance the quality of healthcare services available to residents of the state and the nation at large,” Yilgwan said.
He further highlighted that the hospital moved into a state-of-the-art medical laboratory in 2025, which has transformed the services and quality of care provided. Yilgwan also noted that the hospital is transitioning from paper to electronic records and has signed two memoranda of understanding with research centres in the United States to strengthen its research capacity.
He commended hospital staff for their dedication and service and praised retirees for their years of selfless contribution to the institution.
Similarly, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Barnabas Baamlong, described the event as significant, noting that it provided an opportunity to celebrate staff for the efficient discharge of their duties. He urged the staff to prepare for the hospital’s transition to a teaching hospital, stressing the need for greater commitment, professionalism, and readiness to meet the demands of a teaching hospital.
It was reported that 31 retirees were honored, and two staff members received awards for outstanding performance.
