By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government has intensified efforts to improve healthcare delivery through investments in medical infrastructure, personnel recruitment, training and access to healthcare services across the state.
The reforms under Governor Agbu Kefas include the rehabilitation of the Taraba State School of Nursing, Jalingo, which has been remodelled and equipped with updated teaching and learning facilities to support the training of healthcare professionals.The Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo, is also undergoing reconstruction and modernisation, with the project expected to improve its capacity to provide specialised and referral services.
To expand access in underserved communities, the government has deployed mobile hospitals to rural areas, providing residents with medical consultations, diagnosis and treatment closer to their communities. In Takum, the College of Health Technology has undergone rehabilitation, including facility renovations, perimeter fencing and the provision of equipment.
The General Hospital in Ussa has reportedly been completed and equipped, while the General Hospital in Wukari is being upgraded to a university teaching hospital to support tertiary healthcare, medical research and professional training. The state government has also commenced the recruitment of more than 550 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory scientists.
Other measures include improved welfare packages for medical personnel, a health insurance scheme for civil servants and increased availability of anti-snake venom in areas affected by snakebite incidents.
Hospitals and primary healthcare centres are also receiving additional funding and infrastructure support as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots.The government said the initiatives form part of its broader development agenda focused on improving public institutions and citizens’ welfare.
