The Southern Kaduna Journalists’ Forum has urged the Federal Government to commence operations at the Federal Medical Centre, Kafanchan, following the handover of the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital by the Kaduna State Government.
The forum said the development would improve access to specialised healthcare, reduce the burden of travelling long distances for medical treatment and create employment opportunities for residents of Southern Kaduna and neighbouring communities.
The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Richard Pius Garba, and Secretary-General, Samaila Idris.
The SKJF described the handover as a significant milestone in efforts to address longstanding healthcare challenges in the region.
It commended Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District; Amos Gwamna Magaji, representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency; Daniel Amos, representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency; and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, alongside other stakeholders, for their contributions to the project.
The forum urged the Federal Government and relevant health authorities to provide adequate funding, modern medical equipment and qualified personnel to ensure the facility delivers effective healthcare services.
It also called for a transparent transition process and clear operational plans to make the centre a hub for medical services, training and research.
Manchok teaching hospital bill
The forum also commended Katung for sponsoring the bill seeking to establish a Federal University Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It said the bill had passed its third reading in the Senate, describing the development as an important step towards expanding specialised healthcare and strengthening medical education and research in the region.
The SKJF urged members of the House of Representatives to give the bill the necessary consideration and concurrence to enable it to proceed for presidential assent, subject to the completion of the legislative process.
According to the forum, the proposed teaching hospital would complement the FMC, Kafanchan, by supporting clinical training, medical research and the development of skilled healthcare professionals.
It also acknowledged the contributions of Magaji, Amos and other elected representatives and stakeholders to development initiatives in Southern Kaduna.
The forum urged federal and state authorities, legislators, traditional institutions and community leaders to sustain cooperation to ensure the projects deliver tangible benefits to residents.
It further called on the people of Southern Kaduna to protect public infrastructure and hold the relevant authorities accountable for the effective management of the facilities.
The forum congratulated the people of Southern Kaduna on the hospital handover, expressing optimism that the proposed teaching hospital in Manchok would also become a reality.