Federal Government Upgrades Kumo General Hospital to Federal Medical Centre

By Editor

In a major boost to healthcare in Gombe State, the Federal Government has transformed the state-owned General Hospital in Kumo into a Federal Medical Centre.

The development, confirmed by statehouse officials on March 9, 2025, marks a significant step in expanding the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

The newly designated Kumo Federal Medical Centre is now the second federal medical institution in Gombe State, joining the Federal Teaching Hospital in the state capital.

Initially established as a medical centre, the teaching hospital was later upgraded, setting a precedent for the current conversion in Kumo.

The transformation is expected to enhance tertiary healthcare services, offering advanced treatments and specialized care for patients in Gombe and the broader Northeastern region.

Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya played a pivotal role in the transition, having formally requested the takeover of the facility.

Citing concerning health indicators in the region, particularly poor maternal and neonatal mortality rates, the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, approved the request.

“This decision underscores our commitment to improving healthcare delivery where it is needed most,” a senior government official noted.

The move is also aligned with the broader Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to implement comprehensive reforms in the health sector, improving outcomes for citizens across the country.

The new Federal Medical Centre is designed to function as a tertiary referral hospital.

It will not only provide enhanced patient care but also serve as a training hub for medical personnel.

Health experts believe that the centre will help bridge existing gaps in the region’s health system, contributing to capacity building and the introduction of modern healthcare practices.

The upgrade comes at a time when improving health indicators is a national priority, with efforts focused on reducing high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the Northeastern states.

President Tinubu praised Governor Yahaya for his proactive approach in prioritizing the welfare of the state’s citizens.

In a statement released by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the President lauded the Governor’s commitment to healthcare reform, emphasizing that the takeover is a critical measure towards strengthening the healthcare delivery system in Gombe State.

“By elevating the hospital to a federal status, we are not only enhancing its service capacity but also ensuring that medical personnel receive the necessary training to meet the growing demands of modern healthcare,” Onanuga explained.

Local health experts have welcomed the decision, noting that increased federal involvement will likely lead to improved infrastructure, better diagnostic facilities, and enhanced treatment options.

As the centre gears up to begin its operations, there is optimism that this upgrade will lead to a reduction in the long-standing health challenges that have plagued the region.

With the Kumo Federal Medical Centre now operational, stakeholders across the health sector are hopeful that this initiative will catalyze further investments in public health, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the people of Gombe State and the Northeast at large.