EXPOSED: Plateau State’s Multi-Million Naira Trauma Centre Left To Rot After Commissioning

EXPOSED: Plateau State’s Multi-Million Naira Trauma Centre Left To Rot After Commissioning

The Plateau State Government has addressed concerns regarding the unfinished Riyom General Hospital and Trauma Center located in the Riyom Local…EXPOSED: Plateau State’s Multi-Million Naira Trauma Centre Left To Rot After Commissioning

Government Area.

A report by PREMIUM TIMES indicated that the facility has been left unattended after it was inaugurated by former Governor Simon Lalong in May 2023.

In response to the report, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Cletus Shurkuk, conducted an inspection of the facility along with local and state officials.

He emphasized that initiatives are underway to make the Trauma Center operational.

While Mr. Lalong officially inaugurated the incomplete structure before his departure in 2023, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has since ensured that the General Hospital commenced operations. However, the Trauma Center, designated to assist accident victims on the heavily trafficked and perilous Riyom-Gidan Waya-Abuja highway, has remained inactive.

Mr. Shurkuk reaffirmed Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to ensuring all healthcare facilities across the state are functional and providing quality services to the populace.

During his visit to the facility with key stakeholders in the health sector and local government officials, he stated, “The governor has mandated that all healthcare facilities in the state must operate. Thus, he is taking the issue of the Trauma Center seriously.”

He further elaborated, “The facility was inaugurated but is not fully operational, so we are identifying the obstacles that need to be addressed. We have initiated activities, but mere initiation is not sufficient, which is why we are here to oversee progress.”

“Prior to our administration, no activities were taking place at the hospital, but we have mobilized staff to commence work, allowing local residents to access some essential services. Operations have begun, albeit not at the desired level due to several challenges, which is why we are engaging with stakeholders to address these issues.”

Shurkuk highlighted several significant challenges facing the facility, including the lack of a connection to the national power grid, insufficient accommodation, water supply issues, and encroachment by locals claiming unpaid compensation.

Discussions with the local government chairman have already taken place, and progress is anticipated soon. “We have noted that individuals are illegally cultivating the land, which is detrimental. Eighty percent of the compensation has been disbursed, with the remaining twenty percent to be addressed by the local government.”

He continued, “A borehole is currently inactive due to the absence of a power source, and the cost of fueling the generator is unsustainable. We are also looking into providing temporary lodging for doctors to ensure they are available for emergencies without needing to travel from Jos.”

The commissioner mentioned that the state government is resolving issues with the contractor responsible for staff accommodation.

Local Government Chairman Sati Shuwa spoke about the council’s efforts to support the full operational status of the facility, attributing the inability to connect the Riyom and Ganawuri districts to the national grid to recurring vandalism by irresponsible citizens. He expressed hope that these hurdles would soon be resolved.

Benjamin Garkuwa, Chief Medical Director of the Hospital Management Board, represented by Medical Services Director Fatima Gyaran, urged stakeholders to ensure the facility fulfills its intended purpose for the state.

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