HMB DG VISITS ABANDONED SECTION OF KARU GENERAL HOSPITAL, MOVES TO RECLAIM AND REVITALISE FACILITY

By: Winnie Tanu

The Overseeing Director General, Hospitals Management Board (HMB), Dr. Ahmadu Abubakar has continued to demonstrate his commitment to restoring and optimizing healthcare infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

As part of this ongoing effort, Dr. Abubakar recently led a team to inspect a section of Karu General Hospital previously allocated to Primus International Specialist Hospital under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The facility, however, was abandoned following the partner’s failure to meet the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

During the inspection, the DG and committee members assessed the extent of damages and took stock of the available equipment and furniture. Unfortunately, the once functional space was found empty, with virtually all items vandalized or stolen.

Dr. Abubakar expressed deep concern over the state of the premises, describing it as “a massive waste of space and investment.” He emphasized the need for immediate action to secure and revive the 200-bed capacity facility, stating:

“We must secure this place and ensure it begins to serve its intended purpose. The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat (HSES) and all relevant stakeholders will sit down to agree on the next course of action. “

Findings from the inspection revealed that Wing A of the facility was in a deplorable condition, with extensive roof leakages and a broken tap that had been running for a long time, causing water damage. However, Wing B was relatively intact, with the ceiling preserved and the area still habitable.

To prevent further deterioration, Dr. Abubakar directed the Ag Medical Director, Karu General Hospital Dr. Dominic 0gbeche to immediately mobilize personnel to clean up the affected areas and drain stagnant water pending further directives.

He described the visit as “very successful,” noting that the findings would inform the next phase of action toward securing, rehabilitating, and putting the abandoned section back to productive use for improved healthcare delivery.