The Benue State Government has intensified efforts to secure a permanent home for General Hospital, Otukpo, as part of plans to improve healthcare services in the area.
Leading a high-level assessment team, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, visited the hospital’s temporary location to assess its facilities and identify the challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
The visit forms part of the government’s wider plan to strengthen health infrastructure and improve access to quality medical services across the state.
Dr Ogwuche was accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Benue State Hospitals Management Board, including Permanent Secretary Dr Cephas Hough, Director of Medical Services Dr Solomon Wombo and Executive Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr Mathew Onoja.
The team was received by the hospital’s Principal Medical Officer, Dr James Diatah, who thanked the government for the visit and described it as a strong sign of concern for both healthcare workers and patients.
He explained that operating from a temporary facility has created several challenges and appealed for the speedy relocation of the hospital to a permanent site.
During the inspection, the delegation assessed the hospital’s buildings, medical equipment, service units, staff welfare and other areas requiring urgent government intervention.
Addressing members of staff after the tour, Dr Ogwuche commended their dedication despite the difficult working conditions.
He assured them that the government remains committed to providing a better working environment while improving healthcare services for residents.
The commissioner said healthcare remains a major priority of the current administration and that the findings from the visit would guide both immediate and long-term improvements at the hospital.
He also encouraged health workers to remain committed to delivering quality care while supporting the ongoing reforms in the state’s health sector.
As part of the exercise, the delegation inspected three other locations within Otukpo being considered as possible permanent sites for the hospital.
General Hospital, Otukpo, has operated from its temporary location since its former premises were handed over to the Federal Government in 2022 for the establishment of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital.
The latest inspection signals the Benue State Government’s determination to close infrastructure gaps and provide residents of Otukpo and surrounding communities with a modern healthcare facility that can better meet their needs.
