…..…Salako says move will expand access to specialist healthcare in Southern Kaduna.
The Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the takeover of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, and its conversion into Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Kafanchan, in a major step towards expanding access to tertiary healthcare services in Southern Kaduna.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at the Kaduna State Liaison Office, Abuja, with the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, describing the development as a significant milestone in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and promoting inclusive healthcare delivery.
Dr. Salako said the initiative reflected the commitment of the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government, under Governor Uba Sani, to bringing specialised medical services closer to underserved communities. He noted that the conversion of the hospital into a Federal Medical Centre would address longstanding demands for greater healthcare access and infrastructural inclusion in Jema’a Local Government Area and the wider Southern Kaduna region.
The Minister commended the Kaduna State Government for its investments in the health sector, highlighting the upgrade of 255 primary healthcare centres to Level 2 status, the establishment of 23 primary healthcare centres of excellence, the completion and commissioning of a 300-bed specialist hospital, the revitalisation of 19 general hospitals, and the expansion of health insurance coverage.
He also highlighted the state’s establishment of neonatal care corners in rural and underserved communities as an initiative with potential for wider national application.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to ensuring that access to tertiary healthcare is not restricted to state capitals and major metropolitan centres.
Guided by the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), he said the Federal Government had established 16 additional federal tertiary health institutions during the first 42 months of President Tinubu’s administration to improve access to specialised healthcare across the country.
Dr. Salako assured that the Ministry would work closely with the Kaduna State Government to upgrade the hospital’s infrastructure and diagnostic capacity, deploy specialised medical personnel and advanced equipment, and facilitate a smooth transition for interested existing healthcare workers. “The partnership will also seek to position Kafanchan as a regional hub for medical training, research and specialised clinical services”.
The Minister pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the operational milestones contained in the MoU, while paying tribute to the late Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, former Governor of Kaduna State, whose legacy of public service and commitment to the welfare of the people would be honoured through the transformation of the hospital into a centre of healing and hope.
He reaffirmed that effective collaboration between federal and state governments remained essential to achieving universal health coverage, stressing that the ultimate beneficiaries of such partnerships must be ordinary Nigerians who need accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services.
In his speech at the event, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator UBA Sani stated that the decision is guided by government firm commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare and ensuring that public institutions serve Nigerians more effectively. “It reflects our conviction that cooperation between the Federal Government and State Governments must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens, particularly in underserved communities.” He rearfirmed.
“Our communities face significant challenges when access to essential healthcare services is limited. Beyond the cost of medical treatment, patients and their families must contend with transportation expenses, accommodation costs, loss of income, and the emotional strain of caring for loved ones far from home” adding that distance can worsen the condition of patients and delay critical treatment during urgent need.
The Governor further rearfirmed that the proposed Federal Medical Centre in Southern Kaduna therefore presents an important opportunity to ease these burdens, emphasizing that with the necessary investment, infrastructure, and institutional support, the facility is expected to expand access to specialised healthcare services, strengthen diagnostic and treatment capacities, and improve the overall performance of the healthcare system in the region.
Uba Sani described the Federal Government’s consideration and approval of the Kaduna State Government’s request for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre as a demonstration of shared commitment to equitable healthcare delivery and the strengthening of public health institutions across the country.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary said the initiative aligns with Priority Six of the Eight Presidential Priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which provides a framework for coordinated action and strategic investment in the health sector.
She commended Governor Uba Sani for his leadership and the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its legislative support, while acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in advancing the process towards establishing the federal tertiary healthcare facility, and assured smooth transition, assessment and upgrading of infrastructure to meet federal standards, and completion of the necessary processes for the commencement of services.
Speaking on behalf of the Southern Kaduna elders, former Chief of Army Staff, General, Martins Luther Agwai expressed delight for the development and urged the Honourable Minister to extend their appreciation to His Excellency, President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre.
He called for a team work between stakeholders to promoting good health for socio-economic development, urging for more development projects in the region.
The Senator, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Katung Mashal, identified health as an essential instrument for capital development, descrbing the establishment the Federal Medical Centre as an important milestone to improving healthcare services. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Assembly for their support and legislation respectively.
He further called on the Federal Government to provide adequate infrastructures, modern equipment and retain the workforce of the medical center.
Ado Bako
Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations
15/10/2026
