*DG HMB Leads Assessment Team As Hope Rises For 200-Bed Rural Facility
By our reporter
Prospects for better and more affordable healthcare rose for hundreds of thousands of residents of Karu satellite town and environs of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as FCT Administration (FCTA)’s Hospitals Management Board (HMB) is taking steps to revitalize the Karu General Hospital.
The hospital, which has been struggling, was initially built with a 200-bed capacity and designed to alleviate the burden on nearby hospitals –General Hospital Nyanya and Asokoro District Hospital.
A vital section of the hospital’s operations has for years been abandoned, vandalized and looted, prompting the HMB’s Overseeing Director General (DG), Dr. Ahmadu Abubakar, this week to inspect the facility and assess damages.
Dr Abubakar led a team during an inspection of a section previously allocated to Indian-owned Primus International Specialist Hospital under a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) scheme, but which was abandoned following the partner’s failure to meet the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the matter.
The DG and his team assessed the extent of damage on the section and took stock of available equipment and furniture even as the once functional space was found empty and virtually all items vandalized or stolen.
Expressing deep concern over the present condition of the section, Dr. Abubakar described it as “a massive waste of space and investment” even as emphasized the need for immediate remedial action to secure and revive the sprawling facility.
He said: “We must secure this place and ensure it begins to serve its intended purpose. The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) and all relevant stakeholders will sit down to agree on the next course of action.”
The health facility was indeed a sorry sight to behold. Its Wing A was in deplorable condition,with extensive roof leakages, a broken tap letting water run for seemingly a long time now, causing immense damage.
To prevent further deterioration, Dr. Abubakar directed the Acting Medical Director, Karu General Hospital, Dr. Dominic Ogbeche, who heads the place, to immediately mobilize labour to drain the stagnant water and clean up the affected areas,pending further directives.
Reviewing his visit, Dr. Abubakar described it as “very successful”, stressing that his findings would inform the next line of action to secure, rehabilitate, and re-birth the abandoned section for productive use again,for the benefit of FCT residents.
People&Politics notes that the hospital has faced significant challenges, including inadequate staffing, lack of equipment, and poor infrastructure.
The PPP arrangement also contributed to its decline. The partnership was meant to provide specialized medical services but has been mirred in controversy and disagreements.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Part of the section inspected by the DG HMB and his team.
