By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Government has commissioned a state-of-the-art Multi-Specialty Complex and other critical healthcare infrastructure at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi.
The commissioning ceremony, led by the Minister of State for Health, and Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe (representing the Executive Governor), marked a major milestone in the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the health sector.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving population health outcomes and expanding access to specialist services nationwide.
He highlighted the newly commissioned Multi-Specialty Clinic Complex, housing the Ophthalmology, Ear Nose and Throat ENT, Dental and Physiotherapeutic services as a strategic addition aimed at addressing the increasing demand for specialist care in Keffi and its environs.
“This facility, along with the solar-powered borehole and the high-tech atmospheric distilled water generator donated by the Government of Japan, represents our administration’s drive to modernize health infrastructure while promoting sustainability,” Dr. Salako said.
He also commended the hospital’s ongoing energy transition efforts and announced that a National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector will be held later this month to tackle energy poverty in healthcare delivery.
The Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, in his address, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its consistent support and lauded the Minister of State for Health for his hands-on leadership.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the takeover of the Specialist Hospital in Lafia, now designated a federal teaching hospital, and appealed for urgent federal assumption of staff salary obligations.
“The Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, is not just serving Nasarawa; it is the frontline referral center for over 13 states due to its strategic location. The strain on its facilities is enormous, and these interventions are timely and commendable,” Dr. Akabe emphasized.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Dr. Yahaya Baba Adamu, expressed appreciation to both federal and state authorities for their support and detailed ongoing projects at the center. These include the construction of a 116-bed mega lying-in ward, a neuropsychiatric complex, a public health complex, and a trauma center. He also confirmed progress on the hospital’s first-ever staff quarters and a state-of-the-art radiodiagnostic center that will reduce external referrals for MRI and advanced imaging
Dr. Adamu appealed for improved staff welfare, payment of promotion arrears, and training sponsorship to boost morale and retain skilled manpower.
The event was attended by senior federal and state government officials, traditional leaders including representatives of the Emir of Keffi, members of the hospital management board, and representative from the Japanese embassy.
