Akwanga in Nasarawa State is set to become home to a major trauma and medical research centre as part of the ongoing expansion of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital.
The Nasarawa State Government disclosed this during an inspection tour of infrastructure projects in Benue and Nasarawa states by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.
The five-day inspection exercise was led by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, to assess the progress of major development projects in the two states.
Speaking during the inspection at Akwanga, Dr Esala Abene, the pioneer Chief Medical Director of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, explained that the hospital’s expansion was structured into three phases.
He said work on the first phase was already underway, with an estimated cost of ₦6 billion, while the second phase had been projected at approximately ₦11 billion.
According to Abene, the third phase will introduce a major trauma centre designed to provide specialised emergency care while also serving as a research facility.
He said the centre would provide opportunities for professors and visiting consultants to participate in specialised healthcare services and research activities.
Abene identified Akwanga’s location along important road networks as one of the reasons the town was considered suitable for the facility.
He explained that the centre would be strategically positioned to provide rapid medical intervention for victims of road crashes and other emergencies occurring along major routes in and around the area.
Expanded Hospital Facilities
The first phase of the hospital project includes the expansion of paediatric, maternity, accident and emergency services.
An infectious disease centre and isolation unit are also part of the development plan.
The hospital’s diagnostic capacity is expected to receive a major boost through expanded radiology services, including facilities for CT scans, MRI, mammography and digital X-rays.
Abene said laboratory services were equally being developed to support blood transfusion and haematology, chemical pathology, medical microbiology and anatomical pathology.
The second phase will focus on completing the wards complex and constructing a five-storey administrative building.
The building is expected to accommodate specialist clinics and other hospital services.
The project consultant said the development also incorporated landscaping, walkways, vehicular access routes and other elements contained in the conceptual design.
He said construction had been ongoing for about four months and expressed confidence that the first phase would be completed and ready for handover before the end of the year, provided funding releases and construction activities continued at the current pace.
The planned trauma and research centre, together with the expanded hospital infrastructure, is expected to improve access to specialised healthcare and strengthen emergency medical response in Nasarawa State and neighbouring communities.
