FG and Gombe State sign MoU on the takeover of Kumo General Hospital, converting it into a Federal Medical Centre for quality healthcare.
The Federal Government and the Gombe State Government have formalised an agreement that will see the newly constructed General Hospital in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area, upgraded into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
The landmark development is expected to fast-track the commencement of advanced healthcare services in the facility, which was built and equipped by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties was officially signed at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
Governor Yahaya signed on behalf of Gombe State, while the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, represented the Federal Government.
The event was also witnessed by the Gombe State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Daju Kachallom, among other top officials.
In his remarks, Governor Yahaya described the agreement as a “milestone achievement” in Gombe’s journey towards building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
According to him, the facility will not only benefit citizens of the state but will also serve as a major referral centre for the entire North East, owing to Gombe’s strategic location at the heart of the subregion.
“This hospital is not just for the people of Gombe State. Given our central position in the North East, the centre will serve as a critical referral hub for the region and even beyond.
“It will provide access to quality care for millions who previously had to travel long distances for specialist services,” the Governor stated.
Governor Yahaya also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting approval for the conversion, stressing that the gesture is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Governor recalled the state of the health sector his administration met on assumption of office, describing it as dilapidated and under-resourced.
He highlighted how his government has, over the years, changed the narrative through strategic reforms, investments, and partnerships.
Some of these reforms include the establishment of at least two fully functional Primary Health Care (PHC) centres in each of the 114 political wards across the state — a feat achieved through deliberate planning and collaboration.
Additionally, his administration has rebuilt and established three modern General Hospitals, one in each senatorial district, to bring secondary and specialist healthcare closer to the people.
Yahaya assured that the state government would provide all necessary support to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the MoU, pledging that Gombe would continue to prioritise health investments for the benefit of its citizens.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, commended Governor Yahaya for his proactive approach to health sector transformation.
He described Gombe as a pacesetter in primary healthcare delivery, noting that the state’s vision and execution align with the Federal Government’s priorities.
“In the health sector, you have consistently set the pace. We truly appreciate your commitment, vision, and partnership.
“The progress made under your leadership reflects the very essence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises impactful projects that directly improve the lives of citizens,” the Minister said.
Dr. Salako further announced that the Kumo facility would become the 16th Federal Hospital to be established under the current administration.
He assured that the Federal Government would immediately commence mobilisation of resources, including personnel, equipment, and operational support, to ensure the hospital becomes functional without delay.
The Minister also responded to Governor Yahaya’s request for Federal Government support towards the Snakebite Treatment and Research Centre in Kaltungo, a facility of national importance.
He pledged the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the state government in strengthening the centre to better serve victims of snakebites across Nigeria.
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Daju Kachallom, praised the collaborative spirit that led to the signing of the MoU.
She emphasised that such partnerships are crucial to bridging the gaps in healthcare access across Nigeria.
According to her, the synergy between the Federal Government and Gombe State should serve as a model for other states seeking to improve health services.
In a statement issued by the Director General of Press Affairs to the Governor, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya reiterated that the conversion of the Kumo hospital represents more than just a change in status.
He said it symbolises renewed hope for the people of Gombe and neighbouring states who now have access to a Federal Medical Centre that will deliver quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare.
He assured that Gombe State would continue to support the Federal Government in every step of the implementation process, stressing that the hospital’s upgrade will not only ease the burden on existing health facilities but also enhance the state’s capacity to handle emergencies, referrals, and specialist services.