The Federal Government has converted the Gombe State government-owned General Hospital, Kumo, into a Federal Medical Centre.
According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the newly designated Kumo Federal Medical Centre will function as a tertiary healthcare facility, contribute to medical personnel training, and enhance healthcare services in Gombe State and the Northeast.
With this upgrade, FMC Kumo becomes the second federal medical institution in the state, following the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, which was previously a medical centre before its elevation.
Rationale behind the conversion
Onanuga revealed that Governor Muhammad Yahaya had formally requested the takeover, which President Bola Tinubu approved.
“The decision was influenced by the poor maternal and neonatal mortality indices in the Northeastern region and other health indicators in Gombe State, “he stated.
He added that the Federal Government also considered the state government’s commitment to improving its health sector, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has unveiled comprehensive reforms in the health sector
“President Tinubu commended the governor for prioritizing the welfare of the state’s citizens and stressed that the takeover would improve the state’s healthcare delivery system,” he said.
Governor Yahaya applauds the takeover
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the takeover and conversion of the newly reconstructed state General Hospital Kumo into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
Yahaya gave the commendation in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, on Sunday in Gombe
He said that the Federal Government’s takeover of the state-of-the-art medical facility would significantly improve healthcare delivery in both the state and the Northeast.
FMC Kumo to serve as Teaching Hospital
He noted that the upgraded facility would serve as a teaching hospital for the Federal University of Kashere and Lincoln University, Kumo.
According to him, the training of medical practitioners at these institutions would enhance the state’s healthcare workforce upon their graduation.
Yahaya reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare, citing the remodelling of the specialist hospital in Gombe, two general hospitals in Bajoga and Kaltungo, and a new general hospital in Kumo.
“I am excited about the approval by our dear President Tinubu for the takeover and conversion of the General Hospital Kumo to a Federal Medical Centre.
“This development will no doubt enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services to our people in Gombe state and neighbouring states,” he said.
The governor also expressed his gratitude to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, for his support in this development.
