By Femi Bolaji, Jalingo

The Taraba State Government has partnered with UK-based Annomo Health to revamp the state’s health sector and position it as a hub for medical tourism in Nigeria.

The State Head of Service, Dr. Hamidu Ahmed Kara, announced the collaboration on Thursday while briefing the press. He also revealed plans to begin paying salaries to indigent students in medical sciences, aiming to strengthen the state’s health workforce after graduation.

Dr. Kara explained that students benefiting from the state’s salary package will sign a three-year bond after graduation, ensuring they contribute their skills to Taraba’s health system.

“The partnership with Annomo Health is designed to strengthen our health sector and make Taraba a competitive medical tourism hub,” Dr. Kara said. “Significant investment will be made, benefiting health facilities across the state in phases. This initiative will help develop a skilled workforce, modern facilities, and medical expertise that meets international standards.

“To support this, we will pay salaries to medical science students during their studies. Their take-home pay will be aligned with civil service Grade Levels 5 to 7, depending on their academic standing. Upon graduation, they will commit to a three-year service bond as their contribution to the state’s health sector.”

Dr. Chichi Menakaya, Team Lead at Annomo Health, highlighted that the transformation of Taraba’s health sector will be phased, covering hospital management, workforce training, and facility upgrades.

“The passion and dedication of Governor Agbu Kefas are driving this initiative. Our goal is to establish medical hubs that will make Taraba a leading destination for medical tourism in Nigeria,” she said.

Dr. Garba Danjuma, Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Health Services Management Board, expressed optimism about the partnership, describing it as crucial to re-engineering the state’s health sector for optimal service delivery.