By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Dr. Alex Jirasa Maiangwa has concluded his second tenure as Chief Medical Director of the Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo, leaving behind a transformed, financially stable, and debt-free tertiary health institution after eight years of service.
Under his leadership, the hospital cleared an inherited debt of over ₦15.3 million through strict financial discipline, transparent accounting systems, and strengthened internal controls. His administration entrenched electronic revenue collection in partnership with Polaris Bank, a reform that effectively blocked leakages, improved accountability, and significantly boosted internally generated revenue for more than seven consecutive years.
Dr. Maiangwa also thanked His Excellency, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas for the ongoing hospital-wide renovations which commenced last year, noting that the intervention further strengthened service delivery and renewed public confidence in the facility. In the same vein, Maiangwa’s efforts to ensure access to essential medicines were sustained through the establishment of a functional Drug and Medical Supplies Revolving Scheme, while the Governor-supported free drug programme for indigent patients was judiciously managed, saving countless lives and easing the burden on vulnerable families. The hospital also recorded progress in health financing with the establishment of the Specialist Health Insurance Scheme, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for staff and enrolled patients.
Clinical service delivery was enhanced through the procurement of automated laboratory equipment, digital X-ray machines, and other modern medical tools, while arrangements were concluded for the installation of a government-purchased CT scan machine to end patient referrals outside the state for advanced diagnostics. The dialysis unit was upgraded with a new water treatment system, significantly improving renal care and survival outcomes.
Dr. Maiangwa’s tenure witnessed sustained infrastructural renewal despite prolonged absence of capital funding, with renovations carried out in critical areas including Accident and Emergency, pharmacy, maternity, eye clinic, laboratory, and other service units. Ongoing hospital-wide renovation and upgrading projects initiated under his leadership are repositioning the facility to meet modern healthcare standards.
Human resource capacity was partially strengthened following the approval and recruitment of clinical staff, while continuous professional development was promoted through regular trainings, workshops, and capacity-building programmes. The hospital also piloted an Electronic Medical Record system at its NHIA unit, laying the foundation for full digitalization of patient records and services.
Operational efficiency was further supported with the acquisition of an ambulance bus, call-duty vehicle, and water tanker, alongside strengthened collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Health Services Management Board, and other relevant stakeholders. The hospital expanded service reach through successful free medical outreaches that provided surgeries, consultations, and treatments to hundreds of beneficiaries within and beyond the facility.
Strategic partnerships were deepened through the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding with relevant organizations to enhance healthcare delivery, while consistent successful budget defenses and adherence to governance structures ensured steady institutional growth and accountability.
At the end of his tenure, Dr. Maiangwa handed over a hospital with zero liabilities, fully documented financial and administrative systems, audited accounts, clear project records, functional revenue mechanisms, and stable drug stock inventory, marking his exit as one defined by reform, resilience, and sustainable institutional progress.