FG Takes Over Gombe Hospital, Upgrades It to Federal Medical Centre to Boost Healthcare Services
In a significant move to improve healthcare delivery in Gombe State and the North-East region, the Federal Government has officially taken over the Gombe General Hospital in Kumo and upgraded it to a Federal Medical Centre (FMC). The decision, announced in a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, is aimed at addressing critical healthcare challenges, including high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the region.
The newly upgraded Kumo FMC becomes the second federal medical institution in Gombe State, following the earlier upgrade of the Federal Teaching Hospital from a medical center. The takeover was initiated after Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, formally requested the Federal Government’s intervention to enhance the facility’s capacity and services.
President Bola Tinubu approved the request, citing the region’s poor maternal and neonatal health indices and the state government’s commitment to healthcare reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The Kumo FMC is expected to serve as a tertiary healthcare center, providing advanced medical services, contributing to the training of medical personnel, and improving overall healthcare delivery in Gombe and the broader North-East region.
“The Kumo FMC will serve as a tertiary healthcare center, contribute to medical personnel training, and boost healthcare services in Gombe and the North-East region,” the statement from the Presidency read.
President Tinubu commended Governor Yahaya for prioritizing the health and well-being of Gombe State citizens, noting that the Federal Government’s takeover of the facility would significantly enhance healthcare service delivery in the state. The upgrade aligns with the administration’s broader goal of ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across Nigeria, particularly in underserved regions.
The North-East region has long faced significant healthcare challenges, including limited access to specialized medical services and high rates of maternal and infant mortality. The establishment of the Kumo FMC is expected to address these issues by providing advanced medical care, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment, and improving health outcomes for residents.
The Federal Government’s intervention also underscores its commitment to supporting state-led initiatives that align with national development goals. By upgrading the Gombe General Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre, the government aims to create a model healthcare institution that can serve as a hub for medical excellence in the region.
The takeover and upgrade of the Kumo FMC are expected to bring numerous benefits, including increased funding, improved infrastructure, enhanced medical equipment, and expanded training opportunities for healthcare professionals. These developments will not only improve healthcare delivery in Gombe State but also contribute to the overall development of the North-East region.
Stakeholders in the healthcare sector have welcomed the move, describing it as a timely intervention that will address critical gaps in the region’s healthcare system. The upgrade is also seen as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to its Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes health, education, and infrastructure development as key pillars of national progress.
The Kumo FMC is poised to become a cornerstone of healthcare excellence in the North-East, providing hope and improved quality of life for millions of residents in the region.
