By Rotimi Ijikanmi
The Nasarawa Government says Akwanga will soon host a major trauma and research centre as part of the ongoing expansion of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital.
The government disclosed this during an inspection tour of projects by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team across Benue and Nasarawa states.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day tour was led by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesperson, to inspect infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the site in Akwanga, Dr Esala Abene, the hospital’s pioneer Chief Medical Director (CMD), said the hospital’s development was being implemented in three phases.
According to him, the first phase is currently under construction at an estimated cost of N6 billion.
He said the second phase was estimated at about N11 billion, while the third phase would focus on establishing a major trauma centre.
The CMD said the trauma centre would also serve as a research hub, with professors and visiting consultants expected to contribute to specialised medical services.
Abene explained that Akwanga’s strategic location, with roads linking different parts of the country, made it suitable for a major trauma centre.
He said the facility would help provide prompt medical attention to victims of road crashes and other emergencies occurring along major routes around the area.
The CMD said phase one included expanded paediatric, maternity, accident and emergency facilities, as well as an infectious disease centre and isolation unit.
He added that the hospital would have expanded radiology services equipped for CT scans, MRI, mammography and digital X-rays.
Abene said laboratory facilities were also being developed to accommodate blood transfusion and haematology, chemical pathology, medical microbiology and anatomical pathology departments.
He said phase two would include completion of the wards complex and construction of a five-storey administrative tower housing specialist clinics and other services.
The project consultant said conceptual designs, landscaping, walkways and vehicular access were incorporated into the development, which had been ongoing for about four months.
The consultant expressed optimism that phase one would be ready for handover by the end of the year, adding that funding releases and construction progress remained satisfactory.
The planned trauma and research centre, alongside the expanded hospital facilities, is expected to strengthen specialised healthcare delivery and emergency response in Nasarawa and neighbouring areas.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi