WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nasarawa State Government to convert the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia into the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia. The agreement, which was formalized on Monday in Abuja, is part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s health sector under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The Coordinating Minister of Health and the Permanent Secretary signed the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government, while Governor Abdullahi Sule represented the Nasarawa State Government. According to the Ministry, the strategic partnership aligns with its 4-point agenda under the Renewed Hope Health Initiative. This includes enhancing governance and accountability in the health sector, expanding access and improving outcomes through tertiary health institutions, unlocking the healthcare value chain for economic growth, and strengthening both national and subnational health security. The conversion of DASH into a full-fledged teaching hospital is expected to significantly improve healthcare service delivery while also serving as a training hub for future medical professionals, advancing Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the agreement as a demonstration of what is possible when political will aligns with purposeful reform. “Nasarawa State has taken the bold step of investing in the future of healthcare,” he said. Pate emphasized that health is a concurrent responsibility shared by all tiers of government. He noted that the partnership exemplifies how meaningful collaboration between federal and state governments can drive impactful reforms in the health sector. “It is a model of inclusive development, the Ministry is committed to scaling across the country,” he added. Governor Abdullahi Sule commended the Federal Government’s reform agenda, stating: “We are already seeing the results of the Federal Government’s ongoing health sector reform, from governance improvements to resource mobilization. “This MoU is a testament to what can be achieved when states step up and align with national priorities.” Furthermore, the federal government urged other states to follow Nasarawa’s example by demonstrating political will and strategic collaboration.
FG, Nasarawa sign MoU to convert Dalhatu Araf hospital into federal teaching hospital
