CMD appreciates Nasarawa Govt., stakeholders on conversion of DASH to FUTH

Dr Hassan Ikrama, Chief Medical Director (CMD), Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) Lafia, appreciated Nasarawa State Government and other stakeholders for their roles in the conversion of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) to a teaching hospital. 

The CMD gave the commendation on Saturday in Lafia at an event organised to recognise staff of the hospital who had distinguished themselves in 2025.

Ikrama explained that the conversion, approved by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024, was aimed at enhancing medical education and healthcare services in the state, and the entire country.

He praised Gov. Abdullahi Sule's visionary leadership and commitment to advancing healthcare in Nasarawa State. 

He also acknowledged the efforts of Sen. Tanko Al-Makura, who sponsored the bill for the establishment of the teaching hospital, indigenes of the state working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders for their various contributions.

The CMD highlighted that the conversion of the facility, which started as a General Hospital to a Specialist Hospital in 1999-2000 and now teaching hospital, was a significant milestone.

He noted that the conversion has provided opportunities for medical training, research, and improved healthcare delivery.

"It is our desire and we will do everything possible to ensure that the teaching hospital Lafia is among the best teaching hospitals in the country.

"We will continue to train our staff in every department to get the best out of each of them for the benefit of our patients.

"We will also prioritise the welfare and well-being of our staff throughout various initiatives for optimal performance," Ikrama added.

The Chief Medical Director has also appreciated Gov. Sule for the recent donation of three dialysis machines to the facility, even though it is now a Federal Government Hospital.

On the awards to deserving members of staff who had distinguished themselves in 2025, the CMD said that the hospital would continue to reward hard work to encourage others with a view to improving service delivery.

Ikrama also promised to register a football club and organise an annual sports competition for the staff to keep them fit and unite them because sport is one of the things that brings people together.  

In his goodwill message, Prof. Ali Shugaba, Provost of the College of Medicine, Federal University of Lafia, commended the CMD for recognising staff for their hard work and encouraged all staff to continue to put in their best to uplift service delivery.

He also promised to collaborate with the hospital to promote medical education and research to produce Doctors and other medical graduates who would compete favourably anywhere in the world. 

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Adama Zakari expressed gratitude to the management for the recognition and promised to redouble their efforts to ensure better healthcare in the facility. (NAN).