Kebbi Government Clarifies Relocation Of Departments from Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital To Kalgo

The Kebbi State Government has approved the temporary relocation of six departments from Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, to the Kebbi Medical Centre, Kalgo, as part of ongoing efforts to modernize healthcare infrastructure in the state.

The departments affected by the relocation include Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Dental, and Physiotherapy.

However, key services such as Accident & Emergency (A&E), Maternity Unit, Paediatrics, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Dialysis, Laboratory, and X-ray will remain operational at the hospital until the modernization is completed.

This clarification was made by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) and Permanent Secretary, Dr. Zaki Abubakar Zaki, during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

“Governor Nasir Idris has approved the transformation of Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital into a modern facility that meets contemporary medical care standards,” Dr. Zaki stated.

“The relocation of some departments to Kalgo Medical Centre is essential to facilitate the reconstruction of affected buildings and the installation of advanced medical equipment.”

He emphasized that the move does not signify a complete relocation of the hospital to Kalgo, dispelling ongoing speculations and misconceptions.

“Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, established in 1952 when Birnin Kebbi had a much smaller population, requires an upgrade to handle present healthcare demands.

Governor Nasir Idris’s decision to modernize the facility reflects his commitment to enhancing healthcare services for our people,” Dr. Zaki added.

To support the transition, patients visiting the relocated departments will receive their medical records for presentation at the new location.

Additionally, buses will be provided to transport staff from Birnin Kebbi to Kalgo, while ambulances will be available for emergency cases.

Dr. Zaki also highlighted the hospital’s current limitations in training only nurse interns due to its state of operational facilities.

“Upon completion of the modernization, the hospital will be fully equipped to offer comprehensive training for all medical professionals,” he noted.

While the hospital will not become a University Teaching Hospital, it will maintain its status as a Tertiary Health Institution, contributing significantly to healthcare delivery and training in the state.

Credit: Yahaya Sarki
Special Adviser (SA)Media and Publicity to Kebbi State Governor.