by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has called for a concerted and holistic revitalization of the health sector, expressing his passionate vision to establish a world-class teaching hospital in Jos that would serve not only Plateau citizens but also place the state on the global map of medical excellence.
Governor Mutfwang made this known during a one-day State Engagement on Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) for Resource Mapping and Mobilization for the 2026 State Annual Operational Plan (AOP), held at the New Government House in Rayfield, Jos.
The event, organized by the Plateau State Ministry of Health, brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, development partners, and community leaders to explore innovative strategies for financing and sustaining health services in the state.
Speaking on the urgency of the project, Governor Mutfwang lamented the chronic underfunding of the health and education sectors, despite their pivotal roles in human capital development.
“Two sectors have frustrated me the most: health and education. The dreams I have for them are huge, but I’m frustrated because I don’t have the resources,” he stated.
He emphasized the foundational role of health in all facets of governance and development, saying, “Health is central to agriculture, central to education, central to productivity. It is the center of our existence. Without a healthy body and mind, there’s no function we can perform in society.”
While lamenting the dilapidated health infrastructure across the state, the governor reiterated his commitment to transforming the system, beginning with full utilization of the over 1,250 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) scattered across Plateau State.
He also unveiled an ambitious vision for a Plateau State Teaching Hospital that would rival top-tier medical institutions across the globe.
“Our dream is to build a Plateau State Teaching Hospital that will not only serve our people but become a global center of excellence. We are looking at medical tourism. But to build that, we need at least $100 million. I don’t know where the money will come from, but I trust God we will get it,” he declared.
Governor Mutfwang also cited progress already made in the health sector, including the upgrade of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, which has expanded from two to six departments and now boasts a modern, well-equipped laboratory.
“We now have a fantastically-equipped lab that can compete with any across the country. It is a testament to what is possible when leadership and commitment meet,” he said.
In a bid to mobilize collective action, the governor called on legislators, private sector players, alumni associations, faith-based organizations, and well-meaning individuals to adopt and rehabilitate health facilities across the state. He assured that every resource mobilized under his administration would be transparently accounted for.
“We are re-equipping the Government House Clinic as a model, and will replicate that standard across the state. We are building from the ruins we met,” he added.
Governor Mutfwang further disclosed plans to power health facilities with solar energy to ensure functionality, particularly at the grassroots level.
Earlier in his address, Commissioner of Health, Nicholas Ba’amlong, explained that the One-Day Engagement was designed to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) as the state prepares its 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP).
According to him, the theme of the event, ‘Linking the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) with Resource Mapping and Mobilization,’ “seeks to provide a strategic framework that unites government institutions, development partners, civil society, and the private sector under a unified planning and implementation umbrella for more efficient health service delivery in Plateau State.”