Electricity: Bauchi govt to solarise 20 general hospitals to enhance healthcare delivery

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has ordered the immediate solarisation of 20 general hospitals across the state to address persistent power supply issues and enhance the efficiency of healthcare services.

The directive was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BASPHCDB), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, while briefing journalists in Bauchi on Saturday.

Dr Mohammed revealed that, in addition to the general hospitals, the headquarters of the State Ministry of Health and the State Hospitals Management Board would also benefit from the solar installations. According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply for more effective healthcare operations.

Highlighting the governor’s commitment to the sector, he said, “Before that, I want to inform you that we are lucky to have Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed as our Governor. I think we are the luckiest in the country. If you go to neighbouring states, they are crying in the Primary Healthcare sector.”

Backing his assertion, Dr Mohammed noted, “They cannot write a memo of N10 million to get approvals; hardly do they spend N20 million in the whole year. Here, the office accommodation of our Primary Healthcare Development Board was given to us. I was rejecting it initially but I am enjoying it now. I think we should appreciate the Governor.”

He added, “The Governor has not stopped at that. He has given approval to solarise 20 General Hospitals, the Ministry of Health headquarters, and the Hospital Management Board. We want to avoid the problem of electricity power supply. The Governor gave a directive that all these places should be given permanent and regular power supply.”

Dr Mohammed also pointed out that four health facilities had recently been renovated through federal government support, with one each in Dass, Misau, Katagum, and Bauchi, noting that the revitalisation was made possible with the Governor’s backing under the IMPACT Project. He recalled how 12 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) damaged by windstorms last year were also restored.

Turning to grassroots administration, Dr Mohammed expressed concerns about the outdated structure of Ward and Village Development Committees (WDCs and VDCs). He disclosed that Governor Mohammed had approved the submission of a bill—passed last year—to reform the process.

“All of them will be removed,” he said. “It is not a traditional title or until one dies before leaving the office. So, you must leave to give other people space to perform. You have been there for a long time—you must leave that office.”

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He added that some areas, such as Katagum and Gamawa, were proving resistant to change, with committee responsibilities often taken over by local heads (Mai Unguwas). “This time around, everybody must go,” he stressed, explaining that the new law defines clear terms of reference and tenure, with traditional institutions now integral to the structure.

Dr Mohammed further announced a more inclusive approach to vaccine administration, stating, “During our selection of vaccinators, the traditional rulers must have eyes on it. That is community engagement. That means the people in those places must enjoy the work of that particular environment, and they must do it well because it is their people.”

He acknowledged that this reform could not be implemented for the current immunisation round but assured that it would be enforced during the next phase in three months.

Touching on staffing challenges, Dr Mohammed said the state has 6,480 Mama3Mama support workers, 800 CHIPS agents, and 132 community engagement groups. However, he admitted that numbers were dwindling due to unpaid stipends.

“We are not paying them. It is the Federal Government that is paying them N10,000, which is not adequate for the work they are doing,” he said.

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