The First Lady of Bauchi State, Aishatu Mohammed, has commissioned a newly constructed National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) complex at the Bauchi State Specialist Hospital, describing the facility as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the state.
The new complex comprises a labour room, Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), pharmacy, laboratory, medical records section and other support facilities aimed at improving the quality, accessibility and efficiency of healthcare services.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, the First Lady expressed satisfaction that the facility was designed to address the healthcare needs of women and children.
“I am particularly pleased that the facility has been designed to significantly cater to the healthcare needs of women and children,” she said.
Aishatu said prioritising the health of women and children was essential to strengthening families and building a healthier society.
“This is extremely important because the health of women and children is directly connected to the well-being and future of our communities. When our mothers are healthy, our families are stronger, and when our children have access to quality healthcare, we build a healthier and more prosperous future,” she added.
Speaking as a mother and advocate for women and children, she stressed the need to provide women with safe and dignified maternal healthcare while ensuring that children receive adequate care and protection.
The First Lady commended the management and staff of the Specialist Hospital, particularly the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Abdulkareem Mairiga, for their leadership and commitment to completing the project.
“Your efforts remind us that when vision, leadership and dedication come together, meaningful development becomes possible,” she said.
Aishatu reaffirmed her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the health, dignity and well-being of women and children, especially vulnerable members of society.
She, however, cautioned that the commissioning of the facility was only the beginning, stressing that its long-term success would depend on proper utilisation, maintenance and protection.
She called on the hospital management, healthcare professionals, relevant government agencies, development partners and residents to work collectively to sustain the facility.
“Let us protect the infrastructure, use the equipment responsibly, maintain a clean environment and ensure that every patient who comes here is treated with professionalism, compassion and dignity.
“Good governance can provide the infrastructure, but all of us have a role to play in ensuring that this investment continues to serve generations to come,” she said.
The First Lady expressed optimism that the facility would become a centre of healing and hope while contributing to efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality in Bauchi State.
Earlier, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Abdulkareem Mairiga, said the project was part of the management’s efforts to expand the hospital’s capacity and improve services for its growing number of patients.
Mairiga disclosed that the hospital currently serves more than 16,000 NHIS clients, creating the need for additional facilities to accommodate patients and healthcare services.
He explained that the management initially remodelled four existing structures to provide space for NHIS services.
“We felt there was a need to add more places where our patients could be seen. That was why we decided to remodel four houses and create areas for our pharmacy, laboratory, medical records, consulting rooms and laundry services,” he said.
The CMD added that the hospital subsequently constructed a separate facility to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services.
According to him, the new structure includes a five-bed labour room and a Special Care Baby Unit for newborns requiring specialised medical attention.
