The Plateau State Specialist Hospital, has embarked on a comprehensive five-year growth plan aimed at elevating the hospital to global excellence. The plan was the focus of a three-day strategic planning retreat held in Miango, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The initiative aligns with the vision of His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration to enhance healthcare services, with a goal of making the hospital a leading medical tourism hub.
In his remarks, Prof. Christopher Sabo Yilgwan, Chief Medical Director of Plateau State Specialist Hospital, highlighted the significance of the hospital’s transformation over the years and its readiness to embrace a new era of growth. He acknowledged that the hospital has long served as a vital healthcare provider in Plateau State, and now it is essential to lay the groundwork for future progress. The strategic retreat, he said, is a step toward defining clear goals that will ensure the hospital remains at the forefront of medical advancements and healthcare delivery in the state and beyond.
Prof. Yilgwan expressed that the hospital’s ambition is not limited to local success but is aimed at becoming a globally competitive healthcare institution. He highlighted the need for the hospital to move beyond traditional boundaries and focus on becoming a medical tourism hub, capable of attracting patients from across the globe. According to him, this growth would not only benefit the people of Plateau State but also enhance the hospital’s reputation on a global scale.
He commended the dedication of the management team and the passion they’ve shown in crafting the hospital’s future. Prof. Yilgwan emphasized that the strategic plan would provide a solid foundation to ensure that the hospital is well-prepared to meet future healthcare challenges while upholding the vision of making Plateau State a center for medical excellence. He concluded by expressing optimism that the retreat would result in actionable outcomes, setting the hospital on a path to becoming a leading healthcare provider.
In his keynote address, Dr. Cletus Shurkuk, the Commissioner for Health, who was represented by Mr. Gayi Timothy Gayi underscored vital role of the healthcare sector in shaping the future of the state. He emphasized the importance of crafting a legacy that would be spoken about by generations to come, stressing that the Plateau State Specialist Hospital was taking the right steps in leading the way towards that future.
He recognized the hospital’s ongoing efforts to establish a solid foundation with a strategic plan and blueprint for development, positioning the facility as a landmark in the state’s healthcare system. Dr. Shurkuk called on all stakeholders to contribute their best efforts, highlighting that such an initiative would leave a lasting mark in history, with the potential to set new standards for healthcare excellence in the region.
Furthermore, Gayiexpressed his deep appreciation for the leadership of the current Governor, whose support has created a favorable environment for the entire healthcare sector to thrive. He noted that this retreat, focused on the future of tertiary healthcare, was a unique and valuable opportunity for stakeholders to come together and plan for the advancement of the sector. While recognizing the challenges of working with limited resources, Gayi commended the hospital’s achievements and the government’s commitment to providing the necessary support for growth. He concluded with optimism, asserting that with continued collaboration and the right leadership, the sky would be the starting point for the Plateau State Specialist Hospital’s journey towards becoming a center of excellence in healthcare.
Pharm. Kim Jerry Bot, Secretary of Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA), has stressed the agency’s commitment to ensuring only high-quality, safe, and effective medications are distributed in the state. He explained that the establishment of a Quality Control Lab will help detect and prevent the circulation of substandard drugs in public health facilities, safeguarding patients.
He also praised the state government for its support in improving healthcare services, including fostering local partnerships for the production of affordable drugs. Bot noted that 32 states recorded a 63% reduction in the circulation of substandard medications in 2024, thanks to the agency’s strong regulatory measures and the state’s focus on accessible healthcare.
Dr. Agabus Manasseh, the Director-General of PLASCHEMA, represented by Dr. Julfa Nden, emphasized the importance of efficient healthcare systems in the state, particularly focusing on improving the supply side of healthcare services. He highlighted the role of quality primary and secondary healthcare in enhancing health insurance uptake, stressing that PLASCHEMA’s efforts in expanding coverage were critical for sustainable healthcare delivery.
Dr. Nden also commended the Governor for launching the Mutfwang’s care initiative, which successfully enrolled 9,000 retirees, and expressed confidence that the Plateau State Specialist Hospital’s strategic plan would help eliminate challenges such as stock shortages, further boosting healthcare quality across the state.
Mr. Nuhu Mapak, President of Konishima Group, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Plateau State Specialist Hospital. He emphasized his company’s commitment to integrity and high-quality service, noting their experience with various organizations. He praised the active participation of attendees and assured that his team, made up of skilled professionals, would support the hospital through every stage of the strategic planning process, ensuring a successful outcome.
The participants, including Pharm. Gede Simon Nguyen, Nrs. Lami David Ciroma, and Dr. Stephen McHenry, expressed that the strategic planning retreat was a valuable experience. Pharm. Gede highlighted the retreat’s role in exposing the path forward for the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and its potential to improve healthcare delivery in line with the current administration’s goals. Nrs. Lami emphasized the importance of planning and strategy in creating a model hospital for the benefit of future patients. Dr. McHenry noted that the retreat inspired optimism about the hospital’s future, with plans to elevate its standards to global levels, stressing the need for hard work and collaboration to build a robust healthcare system capable of handling both everyday challenges and larger health crises.
