The Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has launched a major upgrade of the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau.
According to The PUNCH, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the move aims to transform the state-owned tertiary healthcare facility into a teaching hospital for Zamfara State University.
Speaking at the unveiling event, Lawal emphasised the project’s importance in addressing the state’s healthcare challenges.
“We are here today to begim the remodelling, upgrading and equipping of Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital Gusau.
“This was necessitated by the enormous challenges we inherited in the sector when we took over the governance of the state,” he said.
The governor highlighted the current state of the hospital, describing it as being in “dire straits” despite its crucial role in providing healthcare services.
He noted, “Many of its structures are in disrepair, indicating an urgent need for attention. Additionally, the hospital lacks adequate laboratory facilities, hindering the staff’s ability to carry out essential diagnostic procedures effectively.”
According to the statement, the renovation project is part of a broader initiative to revamp Zamfara’s health sector, following a similar emergency declaration in the education sector.
Lawal outlined the healthcare approach that will include “provision of essential medicines, preventive measures, repositioning of health policies, implementation of protocols on water sanitation and hygiene standards, treatment of health conditions, immunization programmes, comprehensive antenatal services, related nutrition intervention as well as strengthening of healthcare financing contributory model.”
Also, an aspect of the upgrade is the plan to elevate Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital to university teaching hospital status.
“We intend to make Yariman Bakura the Zamfara State University Teaching Hospital as soon as the College of Medical Sciences commences its programmes,” the governor stated.
