Benue State Government has commenced an extensive evaluation of its general hospitals as part of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s renewed drive to rehabilitate and enhance secondary healthcare facilities across the state.

The exercise, led by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, kicked off at General Hospital, North Bank, Makurdi, before extending to facilities in Aliade (Gwer West LGA), Idekpa (Ohimini LGA), Otukpa (Ogbadibo LGA), and Oju (Oju LGA).

Speaking to stakeholders during the visits, Dr. Ogwuche stated that the tour reflected Governor Alia’s commitment to repositioning Benue’s health sector and ensuring residents have access to quality care.

“Governor Hyacinth Alia has made healthcare a priority. Our goal is to strengthen secondary healthcare facilities and ensure that our general hospitals can effectively meet the needs of our people,” the Commissioner said.

Dr. Ogwuche noted that the assessment was particularly important following the donation of 10 containers of advanced medical equipment, facilitated by the Governor in 2025 through Project C.U.R.E., USA.

“We must deploy these equipments based on actual needs. This exercise will ensure transparency, efficiency and fairness in the distribution of the donated medical resources,” he added.

He further explained that the visits revealed major infrastructural and equipment gaps, alongside operational challenges that hinder service delivery in the inspected hospitals.

“What we are seeing on the ground will guide our interventions. The administration is determined to adopt evidence-based solutions that will produce measurable improvements in healthcare delivery,” he said.

The Commissioner commended Governor Alia for his deliberate and people-centered approach to health sector reforms, emphasizing the administration’s goal of restoring public confidence in state-owned healthcare facilities.

He also urged healthcare workers throughout Benue State to embrace the reforms by maintaining high professional standards and accountability.

“No amount of investment will yield results without the right attitude to work. Improved facilities must translate into better care for patients,” Ogwuche stressed.

Stating the importance of the assessment, he noted that it marks a shift from planning to practical implementation, assuring that the government is committed to accelerating the transformation of secondary healthcare facilities as part of its broader health sector renewal strategy.

The assessment team included representatives from Project C.U.R.E., USA, led by Mrs. Kerry Jeffords; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Beatrice Tsavmbu; the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Health Management Board, Dr. Matthew Onoja; and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Fidelis Unongo.