Governor Sule Lauded as N100m Equipment, Solar Borehole Transform Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Akwanga

Timescope News 

Governor Abdullahi Sule has received widespread commendation following his approval of two major interventions multi-million naira medical equipment and a solar-powered borehole to strengthen services at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) temporary site in Akwanga.

The hospital recently took delivery of specialised equipment worth over ₦100 million, representing 70% of its immediate short-term needs, aimed at upgrading the former General Hospital into a full-fledged tertiary facility. 

Some of the equipment procured are  already in use across various departments and units.

In the theater unit, equipment such as operating beds, operating lights, diathermy machines, suction machines, and autoclaves are among the many pieces of gear purchased.

The Laboratory department received equipment including incubators, electrophoresis microscopes, Fincare machines, hematology analyzers, electrolyte analyzers, and semi-automated chemistry analyzers.

The Radiology department took delivery of CR (Computed Radiography) equipment for processing radiographic images, along with monitors for patient registration and image visualization, as well as an ECG machine.

The Eye unit was provided with a slit lamp, which is mainly used by eye doctors (ophthalmologists) for detailed eye examinations. This ensures that patients with eye problems no longer need to travel far to seek eye care.

At the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) clinic, equipment such as headlights, otoscopes, Tilley's forceps, crocodile forceps, nasal speculums, and many others were supplied.

Most essential equipment required for the nursing department was also provided.

Receiving the equipment, Chief Medical Director Dr. Esala E. Abene praised the Governor’s prompt response and acknowledged the Commissioner of Health for establishing a transitional technical committee. The committee had identified critical gaps in human resources and equipment before DASH Lafia ceases operations and Akwanga fully transitions. "For a general hospital to become a specialist hospital, there must be a specific set of equipment. Since the permanent site is under construction, we sought and obtained the Governor’s approval for these essentials," Dr. Abene explained, adding that much of the gear will also serve the permanent site long-term. He urged staff to use the equipment judiciously for the benefit of all in the state and beyond.

Also speaking the Chairman Medical Advisory committee (C-MAC)Dr. Rimini Kefas Manchunga echoed the call for careful handling and thanked the Governor and management for their foresight.

In a related development, the solar borehole at the temporary site along Keffi Road has now been drilled, following Governor Sule’s approval to tackle persistent water shortages. During an onsite visit, the CMD directed that all systems be fully activated to ensure a steady supply of clean water across the facility, further stabilising daily operations at the specialist hospital.