FG Launches ₦10bn Health Equipment Drive in Bauchi
Federal Government begins ₦10bn healthcare delivery Nigeria initiative in Bauchi, supplying hospitals with equipment, drugs and ambulances.
The Federal Government has begun distributing medical equipment, ambulances, essential medicines and other healthcare supplies worth ₦10 billion to strengthen healthcare delivery in Bauchi State.
The rollout took place on Saturday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi and was officially launched by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, alongside state officials and key health stakeholders.
Prof Pate said the initiative forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s wider plan to improve primary healthcare services in Nigeria and expand access to quality care nationwide.
He explained that similar programmes have already been implemented across 35 states, focusing on health infrastructure upgrades, supply of medical equipment, essential drugs, workforce training and emergency medical response systems.
According to him, government-supported health interventions are currently reaching more than 45 million Nigerians every quarter, marking a significant expansion in service delivery.
In Bauchi, he highlighted major federal investments including upgrades at the Federal Teaching Hospital Azare, the establishment of the National North-East Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre in Ningi, the creation of a Federal Medical Centre, and ongoing expansion works at ATBUTH, including a new radiology and diagnostic facility.
He also noted that over 100 primary healthcare centres in the state have been either renovated or upgraded through joint federal and state efforts.
Under the latest intervention, 20 primary healthcare centres in Nigeria will receive medical equipment, while another 20 will be supplied with essential drugs and consumables across all local government areas in Bauchi State.
The supplies include labour and delivery kits, oxygen systems, neonatal care equipment, surgical tools and laboratory instruments aimed at improving maternal and child health services.
The programme also provides 15 rural ambulances, six standard ambulances and 17,000 maternity kits to support safer childbirth and reduce financial pressure on expectant mothers.
Prof Pate warned against diversion or misuse of the materials, stressing that all items have been documented and offenders would face prosecution.
Speaking for the state government, Deputy Governor Muhammad Awwal Jatau praised the initiative on behalf of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, noting ongoing state investments in hospitals, rural healthcare staffing and nutrition programmes targeting child and maternal health.
The Chief Medical Director of ATBUTH, Prof Bara Yusuf Jibrin, assured that the equipment would be properly distributed and maintained to improve healthcare delivery, research and system resilience.
