By Eunice Orike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Nyesom Wike, has approved the completion and equipping of the long-abandoned Utako General Hospital as part of a major plan to improve healthcare delivery across the territory.
The minister also approved the renovation, rehabilitation and upgrading of all 14 existing general hospitals in the FCT.
The development was disclosed on Tuesday by the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, while briefing journalists after the FCT Executive Council meeting.
Fasawe said the decision followed deliberations by the council on the state of healthcare facilities across the territory.
She said Wike had directed the immediate award of contracts for the renovation and upgrading of the general hospitals.
According to her, the work will involve a major overhaul of the hospital infrastructure, as well as the provision of modern medical equipment.
She listed some of the equipment to be provided to include advanced diagnostic machines, X-ray machines and modern surgical equipment for hospital operating theatres.
On the Utako General Hospital, Fasawe said the minister had directed that work should resume immediately on the abandoned project.
She said the facility would be completed, fully equipped and provided with the necessary medical personnel before being put into operation.
Fasawe said the development was part of efforts by the FCT Administration to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents.
