Nasarawa Moves to Establish Agency to Regulate Clinics, Hospitals—Health Commissioner

By David Odama

The Nasarawa State Government has concluded plans to establish a regulatory agency to tackle the proliferation of substandard clinics and hospitals being operated by unqualified medical personnel in the state.

According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, the proposed agency will work alongside NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies to curb quack practices, sanitize the health sector, and ensure only standard medical facilities operate in Nasarawa.

Speaking during a ministerial press briefing on Monday in Lafia, Dr. Gwamna said the move underscores Governor Abdullahi Sule’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery for citizens and residents of the state.

> “The administration of Engineer Abdullahi Sule is fully committed to meeting the health needs of our people. We are doing everything possible to ensure that health facilities across the state are properly equipped for the benefit of the citizenry,” he said.

He added that modalities and operational frameworks are already being finalized. Once the Nasarawa State House of Assembly passes the bill, the governor will sign it into law, paving the way for the establishment of the agency.

On the issue of doctors and other health professionals leaving the state for better opportunities elsewhere, Dr. Gwamna clarified that the development is not overstretching government-owned health facilities, as replacements are promptly made whenever a doctor exits.

> “We are not owing any medical doctor in our service. In fact, Nasarawa is one of the few states paying medical doctors salaries comparable to the federal government. The government is also making provisions to upgrade health facilities with modern equipment to meet the needs of our people,” he explained.

Acknowledging existing challenges, the commissioner stressed that Governor Sule’s administration is determined to leave healthcare facilities better than it met them, noting that equipment in many hospitals will soon be replaced. He appealed for public support and cooperation to ensure the government’s efforts yield the desired results.

On the relocation of the state-owned Specialist Hospital to Akwanga, Dr. Gwamna assured that systematic arrangements are being put in place to ensure a seamless transition without adversely affecting staff or the government. He disclosed that most staff members have expressed readiness to remain with the state, considering their years of service and other ongoing negotiations.