In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, the Federal Government has commissioned 16 vital infrastructure projects at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kware, located in Sokoto State. This landmark event is part of a broader nationwide strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to upgrade tertiary health institutions and improve access to quality care.
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| photo credit: Federal ministry of Information |
The commissioning ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, was led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako. Speaking at the event, Dr. Salako emphasized that the initiative represents a major step forward in addressing mental health needs and improving general healthcare delivery, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
“This commissioning is a clear demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to making federal health institutions more effective, accessible, and people-centred,” he said. “The projects here in Kware are part of over 500 health infrastructure upgrades completed nationwide within just two years.”
Highlights of the Commissioned Project
The newly inaugurated projects at the Kware hospital reflect a comprehensive approach to improving patient care, training, and hospital operations. They include:
- A fully equipped Molecular Laboratory
- A state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
- A specialized Women and Children Drug Dependency Treatment Centre
- A modern Accident and Emergency (A&E) Centre
- A Multipurpose Students’ Hostel for clinical trainees
- A newly established School of Post Basic Nursing (Psychiatry)
- A solar-powered energy system to ensure stable electricity supply
These projects aim to not only upgrade the hospital’s physical infrastructure but also enhance service delivery, particularly in psychiatric and drug dependency care.
Celebrating Leadership and Transformation
Dr. Salako praised the leadership of Professor Shehu Sale, the outgoing Medical Director, for his role in transforming the hospital into a model institution for psychiatric care in Nigeria. Under Professor Sale’s eight-year tenure, the hospital has seen remarkable progress in infrastructure, capacity building, and service delivery.
“Professor Sale has demonstrated visionary leadership and prudent management of public resources,” Salako noted. “His efforts have made Kware a shining example of what is possible when there is accountability and commitment to quality healthcare.”
Nationwide Health Infrastructure Upgrades
The commissioning in Kware is one among many such projects happening across the country. According to Dr. Salako, over 50 similar infrastructure projects have been commissioned in the last year across four geopolitical zones. This is part of a broader effort to strengthen the national health system through:
- Strategic infrastructure investment
- Workforce expansion
- Digital transformation
He revealed that more than 15,000 health workers have been employed in the past 12 months alone. In addition, efforts are ongoing to digitize health institutions to improve transparency, record-keeping, and efficiency.
Renewed Focus on Mental Health Reform
The Federal Government is also prioritizing mental health reform through the implementation of the National Mental Health Act, 2023. Key goals of the reform include:
- Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare
- Decriminalizing suicide
- Reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions
Dr. Salako reaffirmed that addressing mental health is no longer optional but essential to national development. The government is committed to expanding access to care while tackling societal attitudes that prevent people from seeking help.
Renewable Energy and Future Health Initiatives
In response to persistent power supply issues in the health sector, Dr. Salako disclosed that the Ministry is embracing renewable energy solutions, such as the solar project launched in Kware. A National Dialogue on Power in Healthcare is also on the horizon to discuss sustainable energy solutions for health institutions across the country.
Another upcoming initiative is the Renewed Hope Health Connect, which aims to deliver free medical, surgical, ophthalmological, and audiological services to one million vulnerable Nigerians.
Call for Collaboration and Support
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Sokoto State Government, traditional rulers, and particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, for their continued support in health development. He urged all stakeholders, especially healthcare professionals, to align with the Renewed Hope vision to build a resilient and people-focused health system.
“The transformation of our health sector requires a united front,” he said. “With collaboration, innovation, and dedication, we can make Nigeria a leader in healthcare excellence across the continent.”
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