Governance
Benue Intensifies Search for Permanent Site for General Hospital, Otukpo
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has stepped up efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Otukpo and neighbouring communities as the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr.
The visit is part of the administration’s ongoing commitment to strengthening health infrastructure and expanding access to quality healthcare services across the state.
Dr. Ogwuche, accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Benue State Hospitals Management Board, inspected facilities at the hospital and assessed its operational challenges.
The delegation included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Cephas Hough; the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Solomon Wombo; the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Mathew Onoja; and other senior officials.
The team was received by the Principal Medical Officer of General Hospital, Otukpo, Dr. James Diatah, who appreciated the visit, describing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s concern for the welfare of healthcare workers and patients.
He outlined the difficulties associated with operating from a temporary facility and appealed for the speedy relocation of the hospital to a permanent site.
During a comprehensive inspection, the delegation assessed the hospital’s infrastructure, medical equipment, service delivery units, staff welfare and other operational needs requiring government intervention.
Addressing members of staff after the tour, Dr. Ogwuche commended their commitment and professionalism despite the limitations posed by the temporary location. He assured them of the state government’s resolve to provide an enabling environment for healthcare workers and strengthen service delivery across public health institutions.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that healthcare remains a major priority of the present administration, noting that findings from the assessment would guide both immediate and long-term interventions aimed at improving services at the hospital.
He also urged health workers to remain committed to their responsibilities by continuing to provide quality healthcare while supporting ongoing reforms in the state’s health sector.
As part of the exercise, the delegation inspected three additional locations within Otukpo to determine their suitability as a permanent site for the hospital. The initiative is aimed at providing a more conducive environment for expanded healthcare services in the area.
General Hospital, Otukpo, has operated from a temporary facility 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, Otukpo.
The assessment visit highlights the Benue State Government’s determination to bridge infrastructure gaps and reposition healthcare facilities to better serve residents of Otukpo and surrounding communities.
