Governor Dauda Lawal has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality and affordable healthcare across Zamfara State, as he commissioned the remodelled General Hospital in Anka.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Saturday, marked the formal unveiling of the fully renovated and newly equipped health facility. According to a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the extensive renovation included upgrades to several key buildings and wards.

Among the facilities rehabilitated or newly constructed are the General Outpatient Department and former administrative block, male and female wards, pharmacy block, new perimeter fencing, and a link corridor connecting the female ward with other medical units. Other upgrades include a refurbished X-ray and theatre block, and newly built units for accident and emergency, laboratory services, eye and dental clinics, and maternity care.

Additional improvements covered the antenatal care unit, a new administrative block, a mosque, the medical director’s residence, and paediatric wards.

Governor Lawal, addressing the gathering at the ceremony, confirmed that the hospital’s transformation had been completed within a year and in line with contractual specifications.

“The rehabilitation of this hospital began last year and was awarded and executed by an indigenous and highly reputable company,” he said. “The investment has transformed the hospital into a modern healthcare facility with state-of-the-art equipment. This will undoubtedly enhance the quality of medical care for our citizens in Anka and neighbouring communities.”

He added that the project was part of his government’s broader commitment to delivering democratic dividends across key sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

“To the people of Anka and surrounding communities, this project is a fulfilment of one of our promises to improve the livelihood of citizens,” he said. “We will continue to prioritise development issues to ensure access to quality services across Zamfara.”

The Governor urged hospital staff and administrators to ensure effective maintenance of the facility and to deliver the highest standard of care to residents.

A day earlier, on Friday, Governor Lawal restated his commitment to transforming the state’s health sector, describing the current administration’s reforms as part of a broader strategy to make quality medical care more accessible across the state.

Speaking during the commissioning of the fully renovated and remodelled General Hospital Gusau, Governor Lawal said his government had inherited a severely neglected healthcare system upon assuming office in May 2023.

The renovated sections of the hospital include the Accident and Emergency Unit, Gynaecology Ward, Maternity Ward, Administrative Block, Amenity Ward, and Special Care Baby Unit. Other areas refurbished and equipped are the Maternity Theatre, Common Room, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Call Room, Main Operating Theatre, Radiology Department, Orthopaedic Ward and Theatre, General Outpatient Department, and the ENT, Eye, and Dental Clinics.

Governor Lawal said a comprehensive needs assessment was conducted across all general hospitals in the state shortly after he assumed office. The findings, he noted, revealed the extent of decay in the system.

“For example, in a state of almost six million people, there was only one ultrasound machine in all government-owned facilities—and it was held together by seal tape,” he said. “This led us to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, focusing on restoring infrastructure, equipping hospitals, and investing in healthcare professionals through training and motivation.”

He added that the Gusau hospital commissioning forms part of a wider plan to reform the state’s healthcare infrastructure. Already, renovated hospitals in Kaura, Maradun, Maru, and Nasarawa Burkullu have been commissioned, with similar projects underway in Talata Mafara, Shinkafi, Tsafe, and the Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau.

Governor Lawal also disclosed that the State Executive Council has approved the full equipping of Anka General Hospital, including the supply and installation of modern medical equipment, complete furnishing, and the training of biomedical technical staff.

“These interventions reflect our vision to build a modern, functional, and sustainable healthcare system that drastically reduces the need for external referrals,” the governor said. “We want our citizens to access quality care close to home.”

He, however, urged the hospital management to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facilities and equipment, stressing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding public investments in the sector.