By John Bassey, Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has officially handed over the remodelled and expanded Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, as well as the renovated mortuary facility at Kebbi State Teaching Hospital (KSTH), Kalgo, as part of Governor Nasir Idris’ ongoing commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector in the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Yahaya Sarki, and made available to journalists in Kebbi State.
According to the statement, the handover ceremonies took place separately on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi and Kalgo under the directive of the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu.
Speaking during the handover of the revitalised A&E Unit at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ismail Yakubu Augie, said the transformation of the facility demonstrated the Governor’s strong commitment to improving healthcare delivery across Kebbi State..
Representing Governor Idris, the commissioner noted that the facility had undergone remarkable improvements compared to its previous condition when the Governor visited the hospital some months ago.
He described the health sector as one of the top priorities of the present administration, stressing that no investment is too much when it comes to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the people.
Augie urged healthcare workers, patients and other stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the upgraded facility to guarantee its sustainability.
He thereafter handed over the keys to the renovated A&E Unit to the Chief Medical Director of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Shehu Koko.
Receiving the keys, Dr. Shehu Koko, alongside directors, doctors and nurses, expressed appreciation to Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support to the hospital and pledged sustained maintenance, cleanliness and proper management of the facility.
Similarly, at the Kebbi State Teaching Hospital, Kalgo, the Commissioner for Health handed over the renovated mortuary facility, explaining that the project became necessary following an inspection visit earlier conducted by Governor Idris alongside the Secretary to the State Government.
According to him, the renovation formed part of efforts to meet the requirements for the ongoing accreditation process for medical students of Abdullahi Fodio University, Aliero, while also improving the overall standard of healthcare infrastructure in the state.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Governor also approved additional solarisation of the hospital environment through the installation of about 120 solar streetlight poles to improve visibility and power supply within the facility.
He further explained that the mortuary currently has the capacity to accommodate six bodies, with provision for future expansion whenever the need arises.
On power supply, he stated that an independent solar power system with a 12.5KVA installation had already been provided to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the mortuary facility.
The cm.ommissioner commended Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as people-oriented leadership and sustained investment in the health sector despite increasing demands on government resources.
He also charged the management of the teaching hospital to ensure effective utilisation and proper maintenance of the newly renovated facilities.