The Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to convert Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital in Kafanchan into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) to expand access to specialist healthcare in Southern Kaduna. The agreement was signed on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at…...
The Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to convert Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital in Kafanchan into a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) to expand access to specialist healthcare in Southern Kaduna.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Kaduna State Liaison Office in Abuja.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the move would bring specialised medical services closer to underserved communities and address longstanding demands for improved healthcare infrastructure in Jema’a Local Government Area and the wider Southern Kaduna region.
In a statement by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako, Salako described the agreement as a significant step towards advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and promoting inclusive healthcare delivery.
He said the initiative reflected the commitment of the Federal Government and the administration of Governor Uba Sani to improving access to quality medical services.
According to the minister, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would work with the Kaduna State Government to upgrade the hospital’s infrastructure and diagnostic capacity, provide specialised medical personnel and modern equipment, and facilitate a smooth transition for existing healthcare workers interested in remaining at the facility.
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“The partnership will also seek to position Kafanchan as a regional hub for medical training, research and specialised clinical services,” he said.
Salako added that the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring that access to tertiary healthcare was not limited to state capitals and major metropolitan centres.
He said that, under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the Federal Government had established 16 additional federal tertiary health institutions within the first 42 months of Tinubu’s administration to improve access to specialised healthcare nationwide.
The minister also commended the Kaduna State Government for its investments in the health sector, including the upgrade of 255 primary healthcare centres to Level 2 status, the establishment of 23 primary healthcare centres of excellence, the completion of a 300-bed specialist hospital and the revitalisation of 19 general hospitals.
He further highlighted the state’s expansion of health insurance coverage and the establishment of neonatal care corners in rural and underserved communities.
Salako pledged the ministry’s commitment to implementing the operational milestones outlined in the MoU and paid tribute to the late former Kaduna State Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, whose name the hospital bears.
He said the conversion would honour Yakowa’s legacy of public service by transforming the facility into a centre for improved healthcare delivery.
In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani said the decision was driven by the need to expand access to quality healthcare and ensure public institutions served Nigerians more effectively.
“It reflects our conviction that cooperation between the Federal Government and State Governments must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens, particularly in underserved communities,” the governor said.
He noted that residents often faced additional financial and emotional burdens when seeking medical treatment far from their communities.
“Our communities face significant challenges when access to essential healthcare services is limited. Beyond the cost of medical treatment, patients and their families must contend with transportation expenses, accommodation costs, loss of income, and the emotional strain of caring for loved ones far from home,” he said.
The governor added that long distances could worsen patients’ conditions and delay critical treatment, particularly during emergencies.
He said the proposed Federal Medical Centre would help ease these challenges by expanding access to specialised services, strengthening diagnostic and treatment capacity, and improving healthcare delivery across Southern Kaduna.
Sani described the Federal Government’s consideration and approval of the state’s request as a demonstration of a shared commitment to equitable healthcare and stronger public health institutions.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, in her welcome remarks, said the initiative aligned with Priority Six of Tinubu’s Eight Presidential Priorities and the NHSRII framework for coordinated action and strategic investment in the health sector.
She commended the governor for his leadership and the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its legislative support, while assuring that the necessary assessments, infrastructure upgrades and administrative processes would be undertaken to facilitate the commencement of services.
Speaking on behalf of Southern Kaduna elders, former Chief of Army Staff, General Martins Luther Agwai, welcomed the development and urged Salako to convey their appreciation to Tinubu for approving the establishment of the facility.
Agwai also called for collaboration among stakeholders to promote public health and socio-economic development in the region, while urging the government to provide more development projects.
Similarly, the senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Sunday Katung Mashal, described the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre as an important step towards improving healthcare services.
Katung commended Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Assembly for their respective roles in advancing the initiative.
He also urged the Federal Government to provide adequate infrastructure and modern medical equipment while retaining the facility’s existing workforce.