Rainstorm damages hospital in Plateau

A fierce rainstorm that hit Jos in the early hours of Friday caused significant damage to the Plateau State Specialists Hospital, leaving doctors and other healthcare workers stranded.

Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, verified the incident in an interview in Jos on Friday.

According to Prof. Yilgwan, the doctors and other healthcare workers who were stranded by the rainstorm have been relocated to alternative locations to ensure their safety.

The CMD said, “As we are receiving the good news (purchase of 100 beds and 100 mattresses), we woke up this morning to find out that the whole block where some doctors and house officers are staying has been destroyed by a rainstorm.

“As we speak, all of them have been stranded and displaced and their properties destroyed. But we have informed Governor Caleb Mutfwang and, in his usual magnanimity, has provided a temporary abode for them while we have a comprehensive estimate of the damaged facilities and submit for renovation and I can assure you that all hands are on deck to see that we address the problem.”

The CMD, who termed the incident as regrettable, further stated that Plateau Hospital serves more than 60% of the town’s population, including the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community.

The CMD pointed out that the hospital’s aging infrastructure and facilities, which have been in place for decades, require modernization to ensure optimal service delivery.