In a statement on Sunday, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said the decision was taken to improve healthcare in Gombe and the north-east; and to mitigate maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

The development establishes as the state’s second federal medical institution after the Federal Teaching Hospital which was upgraded from a medical centre.

Onanuga said Inuwa Yahaya, Gombe governor, officially requested the facility’s takeover.

“The Kumo Federal Medical Centre will serve as a tertiary health hospital, contribute to the training of medical personnel, and boost health care service in Gombe State and the Northeast generally,” the statement reads.

“Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya formally requested the takeover of the facility. President Tinubu approved the request, given the poor maternal and neonatal mortality indices in the Northeastern region and other health indicators in Gombe State.

“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.”

Tinubu commended Yahaya for focusing on citizens’ well-being. The president said the facility’s takeover would enhance the state’s healthcare service provision.