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The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum (SKJF) has hailed the handover of the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, by the Kaduna state government to the Federal Government, urging authorities to ensure prompt take-off of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
The forum said the development was a major step towards improving access to quality and specialised healthcare for residents of Southern Kaduna and neighbouring communities.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Richard Pius Garba, and Secretary-General, Samaila Idris, the forum said the establishment of the FMC would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances in search of advanced medical treatment, while creating employment opportunities and strengthening the local health sector.
SKJF commended Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, House of Representatives members Amos Gwamna Magaji and Daniel Amos, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa and other stakeholders for their contributions towards realising the project.
It urged the Federal Government and relevant health authorities to sustain the momentum by providing adequate funding, modern medical equipment, qualified personnel and other essential facilities required for the centre to begin operations.
The forum also called for a transparent transition process and clear operational plans to ensure that the facility delivers quality healthcare and develops into a centre for medical services, training and research.
In a related development, the forum commended Senator Katung for sponsoring the bill seeking to establish a Federal University Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It noted that the bill had passed its third reading in the Senate, describing the development as an important step towards expanding access to specialised healthcare and strengthening medical education and research in the region.
According to the forum, the proposed teaching hospital would complement the FMC in Kafanchan by supporting clinical training, medical research and the development of skilled healthcare personnel.
SKJF called on members of the House of Representatives to give the bill the necessary consideration and concurrence to enable it to proceed to the President for assent, subject to the completion of the legislative process.
The forum also acknowledged the contributions of other elected representatives and stakeholders to development initiatives in Southern Kaduna, urging continued cooperation among federal and state authorities, legislators, traditional institutions and community leaders.
It stressed that the success of the healthcare projects would depend on their ability to provide accessible, affordable and quality services, urging residents to protect public infrastructure and hold relevant authorities accountable for the effective management of the facilities.
The forum congratulated the people of Southern Kaduna on the handover of the Yakowa Memorial Hospital and expressed optimism that the proposed teaching hospital in Manchok would also become a reality.
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