From Suleiman Abubakar
As Nasarawa State stands on the brink of inaugurating its Federal Teaching Hospital, there is a growing chorus of voices urging the state government to revisit its previous stance on supporting indigenous students pursuing science courses, particularly in the medical field.
This appeal comes at a critical juncture when the state's health sector faces a significant shortfall in qualified medical professionals to fill the impending vacancies that the new hospital will generate.
The establishment of the Federal Teaching Hospital represents a significant milestone in the state's healthcare infrastructure, promising to elevate the quality of medical services available to residents.
However, the success of this venture hinges on the availability of a well-trained, locally sourced workforce to staff the hospital and other healthcare facilities across the state.
This has underscored the need for the government to fulfill its earlier pledge to support indigenous students in their pursuit of science and medical education.
Historically, the Nasarawa State government had expressed a commitment to sponsor its indigenes in various science disciplines, with a particular emphasis on medical education.
This initiative was seen as a strategic move to address the long-term needs of the state's healthcare system by cultivating homegrown talent.
However, recent decisions to scale back or suppress this support have sparked concern among stakeholders who fear that the state's health sector may struggle to meet the demands of the new hospital and other facilities.
With the Federal Teaching Hospital set to become a major hub for medical training and healthcare delivery in the region, there is a renewed urgency for the government to actively involve local talents in this process.
Advocates argue that by investing in the education and training of its indigenes, Nasarawa State can not only ensure the successful staffing of the new hospital but also lay the groundwork for a sustainable and self-reliant healthcare system in the future.
The call to action is clear: Nasarawa State must reassess its policies and reinstate robust support for indigenous students in science and medical fields.
Doing so would not only fulfill a previous promise but also secure the state's healthcare future at a time when it is poised for significant advancement.
The involvement of local talents is not just a matter of filling vacancies; it is about empowering the community, enhancing healthcare outcomes, and ensuring that the benefits of the new Federal Teaching Hospital are fully realized by the people of Nasarawa State.
