BENUE HEALTHCARE: State Government To Focus Attention On Children With Special Needs

BENUE HEALTHCARE - State Government To Focus Attention On Children With Special Needs

In a bold move to redefine the healthcare landscape of Benue State, the government has unveiled a comprehensive initiative aimed at prioritizing the medical needs of children with special needs.

This announcement was made during the Second International Health Investment Summit held at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, the state capital.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, emphasized the administration’s commitment to transforming Benue into not only the “food basket of the nation” but also its health hub.

Central to this vision is the expansion of the newly established therapeutic center at the state university hospital, which has already begun offering specialized care to children with conditions such as autism and other developmental challenges.

However, the rising number of cases has outpaced the facility’s current capacity, prompting urgent calls for its enlargement.

To support this endeavor, a ₦2 billion endowment fund was officially launched at the summit. The event, themed “Exploring Medical Tourism Potentials,” drew stakeholders from across the health and investment sectors. The chairman of the occasion, Barabas Madi, kickstarted the fundraising with a personal donation of ₦20 million, symbolizing the collective resolve to elevate the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Steven Hwande, showcased the institution’s recent advancements, including a VIP center, a new radiology complex, ongoing cancer and microsurgical projects, and a water treatment initiative.

These developments, he noted, position the hospital among the few in Nigeria with such comprehensive capabilities.

In a gesture of legacy and honor, an administrative block donated to the hospital was inaugurated and named after the governor’s mother, Martina Alia. This act further underscored the personal and political will driving the healthcare reforms.

Governor Alia reiterated the government’s pledge to procure advanced medical equipment tailored for the training and treatment of children with special needs. He called on citizens, philanthropists, and corporate bodies to contribute generously to the cause, stressing that the success of this initiative would not only improve lives but also place Benue on the map as a center of medical excellence.

The expansion of the therapeutic center marks a significant step toward modernized care and inclusive health policies. It renews hope for families and children who have long struggled with limited access to specialized treatment.

As the summit concluded, the message was clear: Benue is charting a new course in healthcare, one that embraces compassion, innovation, and strategic investment.