Renewed Hope Ambassadors Tour Highlights Expansion of Specialist Services, Trauma Centre and Advanced Diagnostic Facilities
The Nasarawa State Government is advancing the transformation of healthcare delivery in the state with the ongoing construction and expansion of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia, with Phase One of the project estimated at about N6 billion.
The development was disclosed during an inspection tour of the project site by the RHA Presidential Media Team, where officials inspected ongoing works and outlined plans for a modern specialist healthcare facility designed to provide comprehensive medical services to residents of Nasarawa State and neighboring communities.
According to the Pioneer Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, the project followed the decision of the state government to relocate and upgrade the existing specialist hospital facility to the Lafia area, where the former Women and Children Hospital is being expanded and upgraded to accommodate a wider range of specialist services.
“This site used to be the Women and Children Hospital, and it has now been upgraded to the new specialist hospital of the state. Work has started, and the project is being implemented in phases,” the Chief Medical Director explained.”
Phase One: Expanded Specialist and Emergency Services
Phase One of the project, currently estimated at approximately N6 billion, includes the expansion and development of several critical medical facilities.
The existing obstetrics and paediatrics units are being expanded to provide specialised services, including a Special Care Baby Unit, emergency paediatric services, maternity wards, labour wards, gynaecological emergency services and additional clinical spaces.
The Accident and Emergency Department is also being expanded to accommodate both medical and surgical emergencies.
Other components of the first phase include an infectious disease centre with dedicated isolation facilities, a laundry facility, additional wards and a multi-storey complex that will accommodate operating theatres and intensive care units.
The radiology department is equally being expanded to accommodate advanced diagnostic equipment, including CT scan, MRI, mammography and digital X-ray services.
A new laboratory complex is also under construction. The facility is expected to provide services across four major pathology departments: blood transfusion and haematology, chemical pathology, medical microbiology and anatomical pathology.
The Chief Medical Director noted that the expanded facilities are designed to significantly improve the capacity of the state to respond to complex medical conditions and emergencies.
“In Phase One, we are expanding the radiology unit to accommodate CT scan, MRI, mammography and digital X-rays, while the laboratory complex will provide services across the major pathology departments,” he said.
Phase Two to Strengthen Specialist and Administrative Services
Phase Two of the project is expected to bring additional components of the hospital to completion, including the main wards complex and a five-storey administrative and specialist clinical tower.
The proposed tower will house multiple specialist clinics and services, including cardiology, dentistry, ear, nose and throat services, dialysis, ophthalmology, outpatient services, endoscopy, pharmacy and records, as well as administrative offices.
The project management team disclosed that work had progressed steadily since commencement, with the contractor and relevant authorities maintaining momentum on the construction.
The project manager said the development also includes landscaping, parking facilities, walkways and improved vehicular and pedestrian access to ensure that the hospital environment meets modern standards.
“The project is in its fourth month since work started, and we are hopeful that by the end of this year, we should be able to hand over the first phase. So far, as managers of the project, we have no complaints,” the project manager stated.
He commended the Nasarawa State Government for its commitment to funding the project and the contractor for maintaining the pace of work.
Phase Three: Major Trauma Centre Planned
A major highlight of the hospital development is the proposed Phase Three Trauma Centre, which officials described as a major healthcare investment with potential to serve patients from across the country.
The trauma centre is expected to be a multi-storey complex designed to respond to serious injuries and emergencies arising from road traffic accidents and other forms of trauma.
Officials explained that Lafia’s geographical position and its connection to major routes linking different parts of Nigeria make it strategic for the establishment of a specialised trauma centre.
The centre is also expected to have a strong research and academic component, with plans to attract professors, visiting consultants and other specialists to support clinical services, training and research.
“Geographically, this location is strategic because roads linking different parts of Nigeria converge around this area. We are therefore preparing the facility to cater for the trauma cases that will inevitably arise from those routes,” the project management team explained.
The proposed trauma centre is expected to further strengthen Nasarawa State’s capacity to manage major emergencies while positioning the state as an important healthcare hub in the region.
Government Commitment to Healthcare Development
The ongoing project reflects the Nasarawa State Government’s broader commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to specialist medical services and reducing the need for residents to travel outside the state for advanced treatment.
When completed in phases, the specialist hospital is expected to provide a wide range of diagnostic, surgical, emergency, maternity, paediatric, infectious disease and specialist services.
The project also has the potential to create opportunities for medical training, research and professional collaboration through its proposed specialist and trauma care facilities.
The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Inspection Tour provided an opportunity to assess progress on the project and review the government’s plans for delivering a modern healthcare facility capable of meeting the growing medical needs of the people of Nasarawa State and beyond.