Flood disaster: Health Minister urges other Actors’ involvement in restoring UMTH
By Mohammed Kaka Misau
Nigeria’s Health Minister, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate has called on other Actors in the health sector to join the government in mobilizing the estimated nearly ₦20 billion required to fully restore the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital which was seriously affected by the recent devastating flooding.
The minister who stated this during a visit to hospital on Monday, noted that key stakeholders and partners were engaged during the visit to explore ways of mobilizing additional resources to expedite the rehabilitation efforts and ensure sustained recovery.
“I call on development partners, such as the Global Fund, to support the restoration of the Molecular Laboratory, which was submerged and lost important diagnostic equipment”, the minister appealed.
Prof Fate explained that the aim of the visit was to assess the extent of damage to the teaching hospital’s infrastructure, with a special focus on the Radiodiagnostic and Cancer Centers, vital facilities that have been lifelines for thousands of patients in the region and beyond.
According to him, it was crucial that the centers be restored to full operational capacity as swiftly as possible.
The minister further pointed out that the visit was meant to follow up on the successful deployment of medical relief interventions, including cholera vaccines, in response to the heightened risk due to the floods.
“The cholera vaccines have likely played a critical role in curbing the rising cases, and we are encouraged by the progress made, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the State Government and our development partners”, he said.
Prof Fate who said that the visit was the second one since the flood ravaged the Maiduguri four weeks ago, added that the health ministry at the federal level is highly committed to quick restoration of the hospital to ensure it continue to save lives and reduce the suffering of the people in line with President Tinubu’s
Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister said he was deeply touched by the generosity of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno state who contributed a substantial and symbolic sum of ₦500 million towards the teaching hospital’s reconstruction.
“This significant gesture is a testament to the leadership and commitment of His Excellency and his team in prioritizing the restoration of healthcare services for the people of Borno”, the minister added.
On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I extend our sincere appreciation for this invaluable support.
