Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has approved the ceding of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital ( DASH) Lafia, to Federal Government to serve as Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) Lafia.
Balarabe Abdullahi, the speaker of the House, announced the resolution after the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Tanko Tunga read Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s Request Letter for Ceding of DASH to the federal government during the House proceedings in Lafia today.
The Speaker said the establishment of Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia by the Federal Government is a good development to the State.
“Apart from improving on the health and standard of living of our people, it will also create employment opportunities for our people and other Nigerians.
“We have agreed and approved the request of His Excellency, Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the Ceding of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital to serve as Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia.
“We have also agreed and approved that all assets and liabilities including personnel in the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital being ceded to the Federal Government.
”The Hon. Speaker is already aware of the concerted efforts made by the Government and relevant stakeholders towards the establishment of the Federal University Teaching Hospital and its location in Lafia, the state capital.
“The Hon. Speaker is also aware that in order to facilitate the establishment of the Teaching Hospital in Lafia, it became imperative for Government to consider the need to cede its premier tertiary health institution.
“As you are aware, the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital was established vide Nasarawa State Legal Notice No.8 of 2021.
“The Hospital has the following facilities, Main hospital complex, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nasarawa State Infectious Diseases, Diagnostics and Research Centre, Staff Quarters, Taimako Cancer Screening Centre, New Hospital complex and DASH Annex.”
The Majority Leader who led the debate, spoke extensively on the benefits that will be derivable on the establishment of the teaching hospital in the state and the already existing facilities, calling on his colleagues to give support, emphasizing that the ceding should include the staff of the hospital.
Others who contributed were, Hon Mohammed Okpoku, Hon Daniel Ogazi, Hon David Maiyaki, Hon Mohammed Muluku and Hon Mohammed Ibrahim Alkali. They congratulated the state government and people of Nasarawa State for having the teaching hospital in the state.
They also commended Sen. Tanko Al-Makura for sponsoring the bill for the establishment of the teaching hospital, describing the development as a good omen for the state.
