The Federal Government has formally taken over the Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital (R. S. S. H), Dutse from the Jigawa State Government. In addition to service delivery, R. S. S. H will be used for training the medical students of the Federal University, Dutse.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at a brief Ceremony to that effect on Friday, 21st October, 2022 at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the Ceremony, Dr. Ehanire said that the signing of the MoU was to make it formal and to also inform the public of the development, adding that he had earlier visited the State to kicked-start the process of taking over of the facility.
According to the Minister, the hospital is a laudable project that would enhance learning and service delivery at the Medical School, while assuring that the Federal Government has taken necessary steps to make the transition process seamless.
“With regards to the Teaching Hospital which is a very good project, the Federal Government has a University there and I went to see myself, so the development of that is taking over a teaching hospital to match the medical school.
“The ceremony today is just to inform the public that Federal Government is now in charge of Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital Dutse.
“We made sure the budget line was done already and the inventory is correct. The Federal Ministry of Works has done its job and we are sure that what we are taking over is good enough to begin with and then to build on as we go along,” Ehanire.
He commended the Governor of Jigawa State for the giant strides his administration has recorded in the State, especially in the health sector and also urged him to continue the innovative projects he has embarked on, particularly in the area of Primary Health Care.
“I’m not saying that to be nice; I’m saying that as a matter of fact because we do interact with all the States and we are happy with a State where the Governor is interested in health which is our own mandate and also interested in the development of the population,” Ehanire said.
Speaking earlier, Governor Badaru said the signing of the memorandum of understanding was a great milestone in the history of Jigawa state as this according to him would improve the health care delivery in the state.
Present to witness the event were: Minister of State for Health, Hon. Joseph Ekumankama, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mahmuda Mamman, Acting Director Hospital Services, Dr Bola Alonge, Director Teaching Hospitals, Dr Noah Andrew and other officials of the Ministry.
Also present were the delegation of the Jigawa State Government among which include: Permanent Secretary, Jigawa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Salisu Muazu, Commissioner of Special Duties, Auwal Sankara, Acting Chief Medical Director, R. S. S H, FCT Secretary of Health, Dr. Abubakar among others.
Blessing Egbo
PIO
Signed:
Ahmadu Chindaya
Deputy Director (Media & Public Relations)
