Health minister inspects Niger-Türkiye Friendship Hospital to address staff needs

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Colonel-major Garba Hakimi, conducted a comprehensive visit to the Niger-Türkiye Friendship Hospital. The objective of this mission was to personally evaluate the state of the infrastructure and medical equipment, assess the working environment for healthcare workers, and engage in direct dialogue with the staff to identify and resolve existing challenges.

During his tour, the Minister inspected several key departments, including the emergency room, the mammography unit, surgical blocks, and the neonatal intensive care unit. He also visited the specialized laboratories for embryology and ovocyte collection, as well as the gynecology and obstetrics services. Following the physical inspection, the ministerial delegation attended a presentation highlighting the hospital’s history, recent performance, and current resource requirements.

Mr. Manou Gagara, the Director of Nursing, noted that the hospital was established by decree in November 2018 and officially opened its doors in November 2019. Its primary mission is to provide high-quality healthcare for women and children while contributing to medical research and training. The facility is currently equipped with 45 operational beds, 10 neonatology incubators, a kangaroo care unit, and modern equipment designed to meet the rising demand for specialized services.

According to Mr. Manou Gagara, the institution employs a diverse team of 188 Nigerien staff members and 26 Turkish specialists who collaborate across various medical disciplines. Statistical data revealed that from January 2025 to January 2026, the hospital handled 66,182 outpatient consultations. In January 2026 specifically, the facility recorded 484 hospitalizations and 212 births, which included 147 caesarean sections and 28 admissions to the neonatal unit.

Despite these achievements, the Director of Nursing pointed out several hurdles, such as a lack of technical documentation, the need for radio equipment to process mammography results, and a shortage of certain essential reagents. Various specialists also took the opportunity to share their daily operational realities and specific needs with the delegation.

At the conclusion of the visit, Colonel-major Garba Hakimi expressed his appreciation for the Turkish government’s commitment to advancing Niger’s healthcare sector. He praised the hospital staff for their dedication, noting that the facility’s health indicators remain strong. Addressing the concerns raised, the Minister stated that thorough discussions had taken place and that appropriate solutions were being implemented.

Furthermore, the Minister celebrated the successful partnership between Niger and Türkiye, encouraging the medical teams to maintain their momentum. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative work environment, urging the Nigerien and Turkish personnel to continue working in harmony to achieve even better healthcare outcomes for the population.