Sokoto records 23 cases of meningitis, hosts first military hospital

The first military hospital in Sokoto state has been opened just as the state recorded over 23 cases of cerebrospinal meningitis. However, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Balarabe Kakale explained that the ministry had intensified effort to ensure there was no repeat of epidemic in the state this year. It would be recalled that […]

The first military hospital in Sokoto state has been opened just as the state recorded over 23 cases of cerebrospinal meningitis.

However, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Balarabe Kakale explained that the ministry had intensified effort to ensure there was no repeat of epidemic in the state this year.

It would be recalled that over 10,000 cases of meningitis was recorded in the state last year.

"But this year we have taken adequate measures to prevent epidemic in the state. Our health workers are put on red alert. We have provided hospitals with enough drugs which will be given freely to patients. We have also intensified sensitization campaigns against meningitis and other diseases," he said

Kakale who was speaking at the official opening of the military hospital for the public, said the hospital was located in the state after a competitive bidding with other states.

He said that the hospital would treat diseases of military importance among them meningitis, malaria and measles as well as conduct routine immunization.

The commissioner added that their services are affordable as admission in the hospital is free.

While assuring that the state government would extend its free healthcare services to pregnant women and children to the hospital, he thanked the Nigerian Army for establishing the hospital in the state.

In his remarks, the Commander, Military Hospital, Sokoto, Lt Col. Igwe Amara said they had moved out of the barrack so that general public would access their services.

He said that the hospital when fully functional would be a centre for research and would treat all diseases in the country and beyond.

The Chief Medical Director of Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, Dr. Nuhu Maishanu said the hospital is a great relief for them as it would reduce the inflow of patients to their hospital.

The representative of UNICEF, Madam Aye Aye described the hospital as a milestone in health service delivery in the state, reassuring their support to the state government in the area of health.