NEDC Boosts Healthcare Infrastructure with MRI Centre, Modern Emergency Unit at MAUTH

By Emmanuel Kwada

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has intensified efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in Adamawa State with the construction of a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Centre and a modern Accident and Emergency Unit at the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola.

The Adamawa State Coordinator of the NEDC, Barrister Khalifa Mohammed Lawan, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the ongoing projects at the tertiary health institution.

According to Lawan, the intervention is part of the Commission’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services across the North-East region, particularly in Adamawa State, where demand for specialised medical care continues to grow.

He explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to support MAUTH because of its strategic role in providing healthcare services not only to residents of Adamawa State but also to patients from neighbouring states and other parts of the region.

Speaking on the MRI Centre project, Lawan said the facility is designed to provide advanced diagnostic services that will enhance the hospital’s capacity to diagnose and manage complex medical conditions.

He noted that the project extends beyond the installation of modern medical equipment, incorporating residential accommodation for healthcare personnel, including doctors and nurses, as well as a waiting area for patients’ relatives.

“The MRI Centre is a comprehensive project aimed at improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that patients receive quality diagnostic services in a conducive environment,” he said.

To address the persistent challenge of power supply, Lawan disclosed that the facility is being equipped with solar-powered lighting systems and standby generating plants to ensure uninterrupted operations and improve efficiency.

The NEDC Coordinator also highlighted the importance of the new Accident and Emergency Unit, noting that the existing emergency facility at MAUTH has become overstretched due to the increasing number of patients requiring urgent medical attention.

According to him, the Commission’s intervention is intended to provide a modern and adequately equipped emergency unit capable of meeting current healthcare demands and improving emergency response services.

“The number of patients accessing emergency care has continued to increase, making it necessary to expand and modernise the facility to meet contemporary healthcare standards,” he stated.

Lawan urged the management of MAUTH to ensure proper maintenance and protection of the projects upon completion to guarantee their sustainability and long-term benefits to the public.

He stressed that preserving the facilities would help maximise the impact of the Commission’s investment and ensure that residents continue to enjoy improved healthcare services for years to come.

Also speaking during the inspection, the Site Engineer of Sahab Solid Construction and Services Limited, Engineer Zachariah Yanna Visa, said work on both projects had reached approximately 85 per cent completion.

Engineer Visa explained that construction activities currently focus on roofing, installation of roof trusses, tiling, rendering and other finishing works.

He expressed confidence that the projects would be delivered within the stipulated timeframe, assuring stakeholders that quality standards were being maintained throughout the construction process.

The projects, when completed, are expected to significantly enhance healthcare infrastructure at MAUTH, improve access to specialised diagnostic services, strengthen emergency medical response, and reduce the burden on patients who often travel long distances in search of advanced medical care.

The intervention is also seen as a major step toward improving healthcare outcomes in Adamawa State and the wider North-East region, where access to specialised medical facilities remains a critical challenge.