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 healthcare sector in the state.
Yahaya Sarki

According to the signed by Yahaya Sarki Special Adviser (SA) Media and Publicity and made available to Journalists in Kebbi State, the handover ceremonies took place separately on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi and Kalgo respectively, under the directive of the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu.

Speaking during the handover of the revitalized A&E Unit at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ismail Yakubu Augie, said the transformation of the facility clearly demonstrated the Governor’s strong commitment to improving healthcare delivery across Kebbi State.

Representing Governor Idris, the Commissioner noted that the facility had undergone significant improvements compared to its previous condition when the Governor visited the hospital some months ago.

He described the health sector as one of the key priorities of the present administration, emphasizing that no investment is too much when it comes to protecting the health and wellbeing of the people.

The Commissioner urged healthcare workers, patients and other stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilization of the upgraded facility to guarantee its sustainability.

He thereafter handed over the keys of the renovated A&E Unit to the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Shehu Koko.

Receiving the keys, Dr. Shehu Koko, flanked by 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 solarization 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 a capacity for six bodies, with room for future expansion whenever the need arises.

On power supply, he stated that an independent solar power system with a 12.5 capacity installation had already been provided to ensure uninterrupted electricity for the mortuary facility.

The Commissioner commended Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as people-oriented leadership and his sustained investment in the health sector despite increasing demands on government resources.

He also charged the management of the teaching hospital to ensure effective utilization and maintenance of the newly renovated facilities.