A severe rainstorm in the early hours of Friday caused extensive damage to buildings at Plateau State Specialists Hospital in Jos, leaving doctors and other health officials stranded.
This incident coincided with the hospital’s receipt of 100 beds and 100 mattresses, procured for patient use by the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, confirmed the development to PUNCH Online in Jos on Friday. He stated that the affected medical personnel had been evacuated to other locations for safety.
“As we celebrate the procurement of 100 beds and 100 mattresses, we discovered this morning that the entire block housing some doctors and house officers has been destroyed by the rainstorm. All of them are now stranded, displaced, and their properties have been damaged,” Prof. Yilgwan explained.
He added, “We have informed Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who has generously provided temporary accommodation for the displaced staff. We are currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage and will submit a renovation proposal. Rest assured, all efforts are being made to address the situation promptly.”
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Prof. Yilgwan highlighted that Plateau hospital serves more than 60% of the local population, particularly those in the lower economic bracket. He noted that much of the hospital’s infrastructure, built decades ago, is now obsolete and in need of replacement for optimal service delivery.
“We have transitioned to an e-hospital system to manage all hospital operations electronically, which helps us with accurate data for effective planning. Previously, most of our operations were based on guesswork. Additionally, we have restored the hospital’s water network, eliminating the need for patients to carry water themselves. There are plans to rebuild the hospital into a new specialist facility,” he said.
Prof. Yilgwan also mentioned that architectural and structural designs for the new hospital have been completed. “We are awaiting the final simulation exercise, and soon, we will reposition the hospital to better serve the community, in line with the current administration’s promises,” he concluded.
