Health

Transforming Healthcare in Plateau Hospital: What Mutfwang is doing

Published

2 years ago

July 7, 2024

Preport

It’s often said that health is wealth; only a healthy person can work, create wealth, and contribute to the economy at all levels. Recognizing this, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has been dedicated to improving the health sector since taking office over a year ago.

During his campaign, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of a healthy citizenry and listed the health sector as a priority. His administration’s agenda includes the rehabilitation, re-equipment, and staffing of government health institutions, the provision of a referral hospital, and the regulation of private health facilities to benefit citizens.

One of Governor Mutfwang’s significant steps was appointing Professor Christopher Yilgwan, a seasoned paediatrician and former Plateau State Nigerian Medical Association Chairman, as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos. This move aims to reposition the hospital for improved healthcare delivery.

Upon taking office, Governor Mutfwang directed the completion of unfinished projects in the hospital initiated by the previous administration. His commitment to healthcare is evident in his efforts to enhance services and facilities.

Governor Mutfwang’s Initiatives:
– Approved four additional specialists in Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and another area.
– Recruiting 22 Consultants to enhance hospital services.
– Funded the Primary Healthcare Development Board for basic functions.
– Reviving contracts for secondary healthcare facilities in Shendam, Langtang, Pankshin, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi.

“We are looking at reviving the contracts so that the hospitals can come back to life,” the Governor stated. “In some services at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, we had to bring in the private sector to manage due to lack of personnel.”

Governor Mutfwang highlighted the shortage of specialists, such as physiotherapists and dental surgeons, in the state. His administration is working to establish a Medical Faculty at Plateau State University and redesign the Plateau Specialist Hospital to address these gaps.

Professor Yilgwan has been actively working to fulfil the Governor’s vision. Under his leadership, the hospital has seen numerous improvements, including:

– Improved health hazard allowance for medical workers.
– Payment of outstanding salaries.
– Expansion of Residency training in Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Surgery, and Pediatrics.
– Procurement of 100 hospital beds, mattresses, and pillows.
– Contract awarded for the supply and installation of Main Laboratory equipment.
– Payment of outstanding funds for the Radio-diagnostic centre.
– Deployment and installation of an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) project.

Patients have already noticed the changes. Stella Obiakor, who visited the hospital for a scan, remarked, “I was taken aback to see the improvement. The environment is very clean, and the service has improved. I like what I am seeing and I pray they maintain it.”

These initiatives and achievements highlight the importance Governor Mutfwang places on the healthcare sector. His administration’s actions have rekindled hope among citizens for a better and brighter future in healthcare delivery in Plateau State.

By focusing on healthcare, Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration is paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous Plateau State. The improvements at Plateau Hospital are just the beginning of a transformative journey towards enhanced medical services and a robust healthcare system.

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Health

17 Firms Compete as Plateau Hospital Begins Transparent Procurement Process

Published

6 days ago

April 8, 2026

Preport

Jos, Nigeria – April 8, 2026

The Plateau State Specialist Hospital has commenced a transparent procurement process for the supply of critical medical and office equipment, with 17 firms competing for various contracts.

The bid opening, held at the hospital’s boardroom on Tuesday, followed a public invitation to tender issued earlier to qualified and registered contractors. The procurement exercise covers a wide range of equipment grouped into different lots, including dental, physiotherapy, orthopedic instruments and implants, theatre and surgical equipment, ophthalmology tools, hearing test devices, urological equipment, and office supplies.

Speaking at the event, Chief Medical Director, Christopher Yilgwan, said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang administration to openness, accountability, and improved service delivery in the health sector.

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He explained that the government’s “open door and open book policy” informed the decision to make the process public, allowing stakeholders and observers to witness proceedings firsthand.

“We want the people we serve to be part of what we are doing. This process is about ensuring that Plateau citizens get the best healthcare services through quality equipment,” Yilgwan stated.

Addressing concerns that procurement processes are sometimes predetermined, he assured that all bids would undergo a thorough technical evaluation by professionals, including end-users of the equipment, to ensure compliance with required standards.

According to him, the hospital places a premium on quality and safety, noting that outdated equipment—some of which have been in use for decades—has necessitated the current upgrade effort.

He added that after the bid opening, the next stage would involve a detailed technical review of submissions by a specialized committee, after which recommendations would be made for contract awards.

Also speaking, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and Chairman of the Bid Opening Committee, Jonathan Bulus, emphasized that the open process was designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and healthy competition among bidders.

Observers commended the exercise for its inclusiveness. Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations on Health in Plateau State, Christopher Damcher, described the process as encouraging and capable of minimizing disputes if sustained through all stages.

“It gives hope seeing this level of transparency. If the process continues this way, it will likely end without unnecessary conflicts,” he said.

One of the bidders, Gondys Simon, expressed confidence in the process, noting that transparency would ensure that competent contractors are selected and that the hospital ultimately benefits from quality supplies.

The procurement exercise is expected to proceed with pre-qualification and technical evaluation phases, as part of broader efforts by the Plateau State Government to strengthen the healthcare system and enhance service delivery across the state.

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Health

PWD Association Calls for Stronger Inclusion, Commission at International Wheelchair Day in Jos

Published

2 weeks ago

March 29, 2026

Preport

The National Association of Persons with Disabilities (NAPWD), Plateau State chapter, has called for stronger government action toward disability inclusion, including the immediate constitution of the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission.

The appeal was made by the State Chairman of the association, Gotau Kitgak Munbupba, in a press statement delivered on Saturday in Jos to mark International Wheelchair Day.

Speaking during the event, Munbupba said the day is globally recognized to celebrate the transformative role of wheelchairs in enhancing mobility, independence, and participation in society for persons with disabilities.

“For many individuals, a wheelchair is not just a device but a gateway to education, employment, and social engagement,” he said, noting that the occasion also highlights the challenges faced by those without access to mobility aids and inclusive environments.

He commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing a person with disability to head the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, describing the move as a step in the right direction, while stressing that more needs to be done.

The chairman also appreciated the Plateau State Government for its support and commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities but urged the administration to take further decisive steps to strengthen inclusion across the state.

Key among the demands, he said, is the proper establishment of the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission to safeguard the rights and promote the welfare of persons with disabilities.

Munbupba further called for increased representation of persons with disabilities in governance, advocating for their appointment into key positions such as Special Adviser, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants on disability matters.

He also urged local government councils yet to appoint supervisory councillors representing persons with disabilities to do so without delay, emphasizing that inclusive governance is essential for sustainable development.

The NAPWD chairman appealed to the National Assembly, judiciary, and the general public to prioritize accessibility in the design and construction of public infrastructure, ensuring that the needs of wheelchair users are adequately considered.

He concluded by appreciating members of the media for amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities and promoting advocacy for inclusion.

International Wheelchair Day is observed annually to promote awareness on the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and dignity for persons living with disabilities.