by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
PLATEAU STATE: The Commissioner of the Ministry of Health Plateau State, Dr. Shurkuk Cletus Bako, has paid an inspection visit to Pankshin North to address the issues of land encroachment at the General Hospital Pankshin.
Speaking during the visit, the health minister assured of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to revamping healthcare in Plateau State.
According to him, the ongoing projects within Pankshin Local Government Area of the State are inclusive of the fencing of the hospital and the ongoing completion of previously abandoned projects, which have been re-awarded.
He called on all stakeholders to support the government’s efforts in advancing these developments for the benefit of the Pankshin people and beyond.
During the visit, Dr. Bako, alongside the Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Benjamin Sumi Garkuwa, joined Ngolong Ngas and key stakeholders from Pankshin North in addressing the issue of land encroachment into the General Hospital Pankshin.
The inspection team included key stakeholders from Pankshin Central, such as the TIC Chairman Pankshin Local Government Area, the Liaison Officer Pankshin North LGA, the PDP Woman Leader, and several major traditional leaders.
Also, Nde Gokum, the NDA Chairman, and Dr. Ekpo, the MS Pankshin General Hospital, led the team during the inspection.
Similarly, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Benjamin Sumi Garkuwa, also paid a visit to Cottage Hospital Bokkos and was accompanied by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Fatima Gyaran.
During the visit, Dr. Garkuwa noted that, as part of the government’s plan to revamp healthcare delivery in Plateau State, the governor has approved the recall to service of some retired doctors.
He stressed that, “These doctors have been posted to selected secondary health centers, including Bassa, Pankshin, Barkin-Ladi, and Bokkos.
“In addition, the governor is working on signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH). This MOU will allow doctors in training to be posted to hospitals across local governments, thereby significantly improving manpower shortages currently faced in the hospitals.”
He further explained that the initiative to recall to service some retired doctors not only addresses major concerns about manpower but also provides mentorship to young and upcoming doctors in these hospitals.
While addressing the people of Bokkos, who were present in the hospital, the Chief Medical Director reassured of the governor’s commitment to improving healthcare services, adding that, a new horizon for the health sector is imminent under this administration; hence the need for their full support to the government.
Dr. Garkuwa further encouraged the staff to give their utmost best in their practice, saying, he had worked in the same hospital years back and attested to the receptive nature of the Bokkos people, especially when medical professionals work with honesty and unflinching devotion.