Nasarawa Health Commissioner Hails Akwanga Specialist Hospital Project as Milestone for Healthcare, Commends Governor Sule

The Nasarawa State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Gaza Gwamna, has described the expansion and conversion of the General Hospital in Akwanga into a State Specialist Hospital as a strategic and transformative step toward strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.

Dr. Gwamna made these remarks during his opening address at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase One construction, expansion, and conversion of the facility, performed by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, on Saturday in Akwanga.

According to the Commissioner, the project will significantly improve access to specialized healthcare services, strengthen the state’s referral network, and bring tertiary-level care closer to residents of the Akwanga zone and surrounding communities.

He disclosed that the upgrade features a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre and a five-storey building equipped with advanced diagnostic facilities. The project also includes modern clinical departments, upgraded laboratories, imaging services, and expanded in-patient and out-patient units.

Dr. Gwamna emphasized that the facility is a cornerstone of the state’s drive toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), effectively reducing the need for patients to travel long distances in search of specialized care.

He noted that the state government recently recruited over 2,200 additional health workers, including doctors, nurses, and community health staff, to strengthen frontline services, with more planned for the Specialist Hospital.

The Commissioner lauded Governor Abdullahi A Sule for his unwavering investment in the health sector, particularly in infrastructure development, workforce expansion, and enhanced healthcare services across Nasarawa State.

While expressing appreciation to the Governor for his political will and deliberate desire to leave the state’s health sector better than was met, he further highlighted that this commitment has earned national recognition, leading to Nasarawa State being selected to host the 2026 National Council on Health, a first in the state’s 30-year history.

The Commissioner also acknowledged the contributions of development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders whose collaboration continues to support the transformation of healthcare delivery in the state. He concluded that the project represents more than a construction exercise; it is a critical step in Nasarawa State’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of income or location, can access quality healthcare when they need it.

The ceremony culminated with Governor Abdullahi A. Sule performing the official groundbreaking, marking the commencement of this historic landmark project.