In a major push to overhaul its healthcare system, the Yobe State Government has announced a dual initiative of massive recruitment and hospital upgrades. The state has employed 2,500 new health workers and simultaneously elevated five General Hospitals to the status of Specialist Healthcare Facilities.
Strategic Upgrades to Curb Medical Tourism
The Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Hospitals Management Board (YOHMB), Dr. Abubakar Yerima, made the announcement on 15 January 2026. He spoke during a project inspection and media briefing at the newly upgraded Specialist Hospital in Buni-Yadi, Gujba Local Council.
Dr. Yerima outlined that the comprehensive strategy focuses on three core areas: infrastructure development, specialised manpower, and staff welfare. The goal is to significantly reduce the need for residents to seek medical care outside the state, thereby saving lives and reducing the financial and time burdens of medical tourism.
New Infrastructure and Specialist Hubs
The five hospitals benefiting from the upgrade are located in Buni-Yadi, Gashua, Potiskum, Geidam, and Damaturu, the state capital. These centres are being positioned as medical hubs to serve large populations and handle referrals from over 150 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in adjoining communities.
Key infrastructural projects include:
- A new maternity complex with a Special Care Baby Unit to tackle high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality.
- A new Accident & Emergency (A&E) complex designed to manage trauma cases, including victims of terrorism and road accidents.
- The installation of a state-of-the-art twin-theatre and surgical complex, one of only two such facilities in the entire state.
Investing in Human Capital and Training
Beyond bricks and mortar, the state is heavily investing in its healthcare workforce. Dr. Yerima revealed that approximately 70 healthcare workers are currently undergoing residency training to become specialist providers. Furthermore, other personnel are receiving advanced training in critical areas such as:
- Dialysis
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU) management
- Peri-operative nursing
- Emergency nursing
The employment of the 2,500 health workers is a direct move to address manpower shortages and ensure the newly upgraded facilities are adequately staffed to deliver quality care.
A Call for Public Patronage and Expected Impact
Dr. Yerima urged the people of Yobe to patronise these new specialist hospitals for their healthcare needs. He emphasised moving away from reliance on patent medicine stores for conditions that require professional medical attention.
The government expects this initiative to have a dramatic impact by:
- Improving access to specialised healthcare within the state.
- Reducing unnecessary and costly referrals to hospitals outside Yobe.
- Saving lives through timely intervention.
- Cutting down on travel time and lost man-hours for patients and their families.
This move by the administration of Governor H.E. Mai Mala Buni represents one of the most significant investments in the state's health sector in recent years, aiming to create a more resilient and self-sufficient healthcare system for all residents.
