FG and Kaduna sign MoU to transform Kafanchan hospital into federal medical center as Salako hails move

FG and Kaduna sign MoU to transform Kafanchan hospital into federal medical center as Salako hails move

From our journalist

Kaduna (Core Reporters) The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kaduna State Government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the acquisition of the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, and its conversion into the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Kafanchan, in a major step towards expanding access to tertiary healthcare services in Southern Kaduna.

The agreement was signed on Thursday, 15 October 2026 at the Kaduna State Liaison Office, Abuja, with the Honorable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who described the development as a significant milestone in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and promoting inclusive healthcare.

Dr Salako said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, to bring specialized medical services closer to underserved communities. He noted that the conversion of the hospital into a federal medical center would address long-standing calls for greater access to healthcare and infrastructural inclusion in Jema’a Local Government Area and the wider Southern Kaduna Region.

The Minister commended the Kaduna State Government for its investments in the health sector, highlighting the upgrade of 255 primary health centers to Level 2 status, the establishment of 23 primary health centers of excellence, the completion and commissioning of a 300-bed specialist hospital, the revitalization of 19 general hospitals and the expansion of health insurance coverage.

He also highlighted the State’s establishment of neonatal care corners in rural and underserved communities as an initiative with potential for broader national application.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to ensuring that access to tertiary healthcare is not limited to state capitals and major metropolitan centres.

Led by the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), it said the Federal Government had established 16 more federal tertiary health institutions during the first 42 months of President Tinubu’s administration to improve access to specialized healthcare across the country.

Dr Salako assured that the Ministry will work closely with the Kaduna State Government to upgrade the hospital’s infrastructure and diagnostic capacity, deploy specialized medical staff and advanced equipment, and facilitate a smooth transition for affected existing healthcare workers. “The partnership will also seek to position Kafanchan as a regional hub for medical education, research and specialized clinical services.”

The Minister pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to implement the operational milestones contained in the MoU, paying tribute to the late Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, former Governor of Kaduna State, whose legacy of public service and commitment to the well-being of the people would be honored through the transformation of the hospital into a center of healing and hope.

He reaffirmed that effective collaboration between the federal and state governments remains essential to achieve universal health coverage, stressing that the ultimate beneficiaries of such partnerships must be ordinary Nigerians who need accessible, affordable and quality health services.

In his speech at the event, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator UBA Sani, said the decision is driven by the government’s firm commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare and ensuring that public institutions serve Nigerians more effectively. “It reflects our belief that cooperation between the federal government and state governments must result in tangible improvements in the lives of our citizens, particularly in disadvantaged communities.” He reiterated.

“Our communities face significant challenges when access to essential health services is limited. In addition to the cost of medical care, patients and their families must contend with transportation costs, housing costs, loss of income and the emotional strain of caring for loved ones far from home,” adding that distance can worsen patients’ conditions and delay critical care when urgently needed.

The Governor further reiterated that the proposed Federal Medical Center in Southern Kaduna therefore represents an important opportunity to alleviate these burdens, stressing that with the necessary investment, infrastructure and institutional support, the facility is expected to expand access to specialized health services, strengthen diagnostic and therapeutic capacities and improve the overall performance of the health system in the region.

Uba Sani described the Federal Government’s consideration and approval of the Kaduna State Government’s request for the establishment of the Federal Medical Center as a demonstration of shared commitment to equitable healthcare delivery and strengthening of public health institutions across the country.

In his welcoming remarks, the Permanent Secretary said the initiative is in line with the sixth priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight presidential priorities, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which provides a framework for coordinated action and strategic investments in the health sector.

He commended Governor Uba Sani for his leadership and the Kaduna State House of Assembly for its legislative support, while acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in advancing the process towards the establishment of the Federal Tertiary Health Facility and ensured smooth transition, assessment and upgrading of infrastructure to meet federal standards and completion of processes necessary for the commencement of services.

Speaking on behalf of the elders of Southern Kaduna, former Chief of Army Staff, General Martins Luther Agwai, expressed satisfaction with the development and urged the Honorable Minister to extend his appreciation to His Excellency, the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre.

He called for teamwork among stakeholders to promote good health for socio-economic development, calling for more development projects in the region.

The Senator, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Katung Mashal, has identified health as an essential tool for capital development, describing the establishment of the Federal Medical Center as a major milestone in improving health services. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Assembly for their support and legislation respectively.

He also called on the federal government to provide adequate infrastructure, modern equipment and maintain the workforce of the medical centre.