Bauchi Specialist Hospital Management urges residents to use temporary service centers as renovation begins for the hospital upgrade

The Chief Medical Director, Bauchi State Specialists Hospital, Professor Abdulkarim Garba Mairiga, has called on residents to access the hospital’s services at designated temporary centres as the facility undergoes a comprehensive renovation and upgrade.

Professor Mairiga made the announcement while speaking on Bauchi Radio Corporation’s weekly phone-in programme, “Bakon-Mu- A yau.

He revealed that Governor Bala Mohammed has approved a complete overhaul of the hospital, including the construction of staff quarters comprising about 130 housing units.

According to him, renovation work will commence on Monday and is expected to last between nine and twelve months.

During this period, he said services will be decentralised across various centres in the state to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery.

The CMD explained that emergency services for adults and children, paediatrics, dental and eye clinics, medical clinic, pharmacy, records, accounts, and administrative offices will operate from the Isolation Centre within the Specialist Hospital premises.

He added that Tashan Babiye Hospital will serve as the General Out-Patient Department, while Urban Maternity at Kofar Ran will host maternity and gynaecology clinics, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis services, immunisation units, surgery, X-ray, and ultrasound departments.

Professor Mairiga noted that he inherited a hospital in a severely dilapidated state, challenged by inadequate water supply, power outages, security issues, and indiscipline.

However, upon assuming office, he said the management swiftly restored water and electricity, strengthened security, and activated an oxygen plant that had never been used.

He listed key areas slated for upgrade, including the mortuary—where only one of 20 refrigerators currently functions—the Intensive Care Unit, and the laundry section.

On staff welfare, the CMD disclosed that the governor has set up a committee to investigate why health workers leave state services for federal institutions.

He said the state government is working toward matching federal salary and welfare packages to retain skilled personnel and encouraged Bauchi indigenes in the health sector to return home and contribute to the state’s development.

Professor Mairiga revealed that plans are underway for the hospital to begin training its own nurses and midwives.

During the programme, callers expressed support and concerns. One caller, Shu’aibu Dan’iya Makera, sought clarification on emergency access at Tashan Babiye, and the CMD advised strict compliance with the set arrangements

Another caller, Ahmed Shehu Yelwa, Chairman of the Ward Development Committee in Bauchi LGA, commended the CMD’s leadership and pledged continued public enlightenment.

Responding to a suggestion from Umar Ado Maigoro of Dass on restricting children from hospital visitations, the CMD agreed that limiting visits to 30 minutes and discouraging children’s visits would help prevent disease transmission.

Professor Mairiga assured that all services will return to the hospital’s permanent site upon completion of the renovation, while Tashan Babiye Clinic and Modern Maternity at Kofar Ran will revert to their normal operations.

He appealed for public cooperation during the renovation period and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to effective and efficient healthcare delivery.

The CMD also expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed for the opportunity to contribute to the state’s healthcare development.