By Haruna Abdulrashid
A Ministerial Technical Committee has inspected the proposed temporary and permanent sites for the establishment of the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Billiri, Gombe State, as part of efforts to facilitate the take-off of the federal health institution.
The committee, led by Dr. Amina Zubair Kazaure, visited Billiri Local Government Area on Thursday to assess the level of preparedness of the proposed facilities.
The delegation, accompanied by members of the implementation team from the Office of the member representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ali Isa JC, led by Hon. Hassan Ahmadu Haruna, first paid a courtesy visit to the Mai Tangale, His Royal Highness Alhaji Danladi Sunusi Maiyamba.
The traditional ruler received the committee alongside district and village heads, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, commissioners, the Chairperson of Billiri Local Government Council, the Chairman of Billiri West LCDA, deputy chairmen and other dignitaries.
The committee thereafter inspected the proposed temporary site of the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, where it conducted a technical assessment of the existing facilities.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Kazaure said the exercise focused on evaluating available medical equipment, infrastructure, utilities and the overall readiness of the facility for immediate commencement of operations.
According to her, the team identified the strengths of the proposed site while noting areas requiring further improvement, describing the level of preparedness as impressive.
“The assessment covered the available medical equipment, existing infrastructure, utilities and the overall readiness of the facility for immediate take-off. We are impressed with the level of preparedness we have seen,” she said.
The committee also inspected the proposed permanent site of the hospital to determine its suitability for long-term development.
Following the inspections in Billiri, the delegation visited the Gombe State Government House, where it was received by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau.
Dr. Kazaure conveyed the goodwill message of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare and appealed to the Gombe State Government to sustain its support for the successful establishment and smooth take-off of the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital.
She explained that the current visit marked the first phase of the implementation process, adding that another Ministerial Technical Committee would visit later to undertake the next stage, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Government and the Gombe State Government.
