The Niger State House of Assembly has directed its Committee on Works and Infrastructure to investigate the stalled construction of the General Hospital Minna building project.
The project, initiated under former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello’s administration, aims to alleviate the strain on the hospital’s existing facilities. However, despite relocating some departments to temporary sites, the construction remains unfinished, exacerbating the hospital’s infrastructure challenges.
The Investigation
The investigation motion was sponsored by Hon. Pharm. Nasir Umar, representative of Paikoro Constituency, who highlighted the urgent need to complete the project. The lawmaker emphasized that the hospital’s deterioration has forced patients to seek treatment at private clinics with exorbitant fees, further burdening the community.
Hospital’s Plight
The General Hospital Minna has been facing significant infrastructure challenges, including:
Outdated Facilities: The hospital’s infrastructure is in disrepair, compromising healthcare delivery.
Inadequate Equipment: Lack of modern equipment hinders medical professionals’ ability to provide quality care.
Increased Patient Referrals: Patients are often referred to private clinics or hospitals, incurring additional costs.
Government’s Response
The Niger State Assembly’s decision to investigate the abandoned project signals a commitment to tackling long-standing infrastructure challenges in the state’s healthcare sector. The Committee on Works and Infrastructure has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation and providing actionable recommendations for the hospital’s completion.