From time immemorial, the health condition of a people in societies, communities or nations determines their strength, development and overall progress. "Health is wealth," thus remains one of the most popular and globally accepted clichés that has always come home to roost, as efforts by governments towards taking healthcare delivery services to the doorsteps of the citizenry top their policy direction."

It is apparently with this consideration that when Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma took oath of office as governor of Nasarawa State about 16 months ago, one of his key areas of focus was the consolidation of efforts so far made by previous administration towards improving healthcare delivery in the state.

As at the last count, primary healthcare centres have been established in communities spread across the state. Through the collaboration of the state government and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), existing hospitals and other health facilities are either upgraded, rehabilitated or improved while equipment, provision and distribution of drugs have received a boost. This is due to the Governor Doma-led administration’s purposeful approach to healthcare delivery as anchored by the state ministry of health headed by the versatile health commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Sarki Dahiru.

All these, apart from other well-intended programmes and plans have continued to give hope to the people for a sustainable health care delivery policy that would for once stand the test of time.

In Lafia, the state capital, a lot of activities are taking place in the health ministry, the health services management board and other agencies operating in the local government headquarters. Demand for healthcare services in the state capital has continued to increase due largely to the influx of people to the town thereby rendering the few health centres and specialist hospital incapable of meeting this increase.

The case with the Dalhatu Araf Specialists Hospital, Lafia, is quite peculiar one. Despite efforts by both the past administration and indeed the present one in providing more facilities, equipment and personnel, the large turn out of patients daily seems to overwhelm the hospital, creating a situation where some patients may not be receiving adequate attention.

Seat of Power acknowledges the resolve of the Governor Doma administration to improve the health sector, and is aware of plans to construct a new general hospital in Lafia, but we must hasten to make a passionate appeal to the authorities concerned to expedite action on this crucial issue. This, if done, would in no small measure provide additional services and option to patients within the state capital and indeed save the lives of citizens. However, before the new General Hospital for Lafia comes on board, doctors, nurses, attendants and other staff of the DASH must soften their seemingly traditional harsh treatment of patients. Seat of Power on visit to the hospital on a number of occasion reveal a repeat of ugly treatments meted out to patients by overzealous attendants, nurses and in some cases, even doctors. Their code and oath of practice enjoin them to give prompt full and humane attention to all patients brought to them. Seat of Power however remains hopeful that authorities concerned will look into this matter so as to not only removed the bad eggs in the sector, but to ensure that governments commitment to meeting the health needs of the people is not defeated.