Residents of Rijau Local Council of Niger State have expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of their General Hospital, the only major public hospital serving the area and neighbouring communities, despite a promise by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to renovate and improve the facility.

The residents said the continued neglect of the hospital was becoming a source of concern, particularly for people who depend on public healthcare because they cannot afford treatment at private medical facilities.

The Guardian learnt that despite the governor’s promise during his statewide tour of the area, renovation is yet to commence at the hospital.

Findings showed that the facility requires urgent rehabilitation, with residents worried that the continued deterioration could further undermine the quality of healthcare services available to the community.

A resident, who pleaded not to be named, described the condition of the hospital as disturbing and appealed to the state government to intervene before the facility deteriorates further.

The resident added that the poor state of the hospital had affected public confidence in the facility, with some residents reportedly opting to seek treatment at private hospitals outside the area.

According to the resident, the situation could impose additional financial burdens on residents who are forced to seek medical care at private facilities, where treatment costs are generally higher.

Residents also expressed concern over the delay in implementing the governor’s renovation promise, questioning when work would begin and when the hospital would receive the rehabilitation it urgently needs.

For communities in and around Rijau, the condition of the General Hospital is particularly significant because the facility serves as an important source of affordable healthcare for residents who may have limited access to private medical services.

The residents therefore urged the state government to expedite the proposed renovation and address other deficiencies at the facility to restore confidence in the hospital and ensure that it can adequately serve the people.

Efforts to obtain the government’s response to the concerns raised by residents were unsuccessful as of press time.

Calls and WhatsApp messages sent to the Head of the Hospital Services Management Board, as well as other attempts to reach relevant officials, sought clarification on the current condition of the hospital, the status of the promised renovation, reasons for the delay and the expected commencement date of the rehabilitation work.

No response was received from the officials contacted. (The Guardian)