Taraba To Build New Specialist Hospital In Wukari, General Hospital In Karim

In a significant move to strengthen the healthcare system in Taraba State, the state government has initiated plans to construct a State Specialist Hospital in Wukari and a General Hospital in Karim, the headquarters of Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

The Taraba State Ministry of Health held a bid opening ceremony for the proposed hospitals as part of Governor Agbu Kefas' ongoing healthcare reform agenda aimed at expanding access to quality medical services across the state.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Chufor Harmony emphasized that the project aligns with the Governor's broader vision of improving health infrastructure and services.

"These tertiary health institutions are strategic investments that will meet the growing health needs of our people in Wukari and Karim Lamido," Dr. Chufor said. "The Ministry is fully committed to supporting Governor Kefas' mission to deliver affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare to every Taraban."

Two construction companies—NTS Nigeria Limited and United Integrated Construction Limited—participated in the bidding process.

NTS Nigeria Limited submitted a proposal to construct the Taraba State Specialist Hospital in Wukari at a cost exceeding ₦25 billion, while the proposed General Hospital in Karim is expected to cost over ₦13 billion. United Integrated Construction Limited, however, did not include a clear cost breakdown in its technical report for either facility.

Speaking on the transparency of the process, Rimamsikwe Elkanah, Director of Engineering and Infrastructure at the Bureau for Public Procurement, assured that the bid opening followed due process and conformed with all procurement guidelines.

"The entire process has been open and transparent. This is in line with our commitment to accountability in project execution," Elkanah noted.

A representative of NTS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Dennis Odinty, expressed the company's readiness to deliver high-quality work if selected.

"We have carried out several construction projects in Taraba State. If awarded this contract, we assure the government and the people of a job that will stand the test of time," Odinty said.

The construction of these hospitals is expected to significantly boost healthcare delivery, reduce the burden on existing facilities, and create job opportunities in the host communities.