Federal Government Gives ₦10 Billion Worth of Medical Equipment to Bauchi

The federal government has given out drugs, ambulances, and emergency obstetric and newborn care equipment worth around ₦10 billion to health facilities in Bauchi State.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, started the distribution on Saturday. Mr Pate said this move is part of the federal government’s plan to boost healthcare and improve maternal, newborn, and child health services in the state.

Alongside general equipment, the government has provided free delivery kits for pregnant women and sexual and reproductive health supplies. The Minister mentioned that general hospitals and 20 primary healthcare (PHC) centres will get important medical equipment. Another 20 facilities in various local government areas will receive drugs and other health supplies.

The equipment includes tools for labor and delivery, surgical equipment for caesarean sections, neonatal intensive care technology, maternity lab tools, oxygen supplies, and blood pressure monitors. Additionally, the government has supplied 15 tricycle ambulances, six regular ambulances, and 17,000 maternity kits for expecting mothers.

Mr Pate pointed out that these efforts aim to improve access to quality healthcare for vulnerable groups. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He added that over 45 million Nigerians access healthcare services every quarter, thanks to ongoing investments in PHC infrastructure, equipment, supplies, and training.

The Minister also mentioned several recent healthcare projects in the state. These include upgrading the Federal Teaching Hospital in Azare, setting up the North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula Centre in Ningi, and expanding the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU-TH). The projects also involve building and improving 100 PHCs through teamwork between the federal and state governments.

Mr Pate praised the state government, traditional leaders, and frontline health workers for their commitment to better service delivery.

The Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, who represented the State Governor Bala Mohammed, appreciated the federal government’s gesture. He said providing sexual and reproductive health supplies and ambulances will greatly help reduce maternal and infant deaths, especially in rural areas. Mr Mohammed also promised to ensure the equipment is used effectively.

The Chief Medical Director of ATBU-TH, Yusuf Jibrin, agreed with these views. He thanked the federal government for focusing on healthcare reform and assured that the new equipment would be used to improve services throughout the state.