Plateau State, known for its scenic mountains and cool climate, is located in Nigeria's North-Central region. Its capital, Jos, is one of the country’s most prominent educational and healthcare hubs. As the state's population grows and urbanization spreads into its rural areas, healthcare has become a critical area of focus for both the government and private sector.
From advanced teaching hospitals in Jos to rural health posts in remote local government areas, Plateau State offers a diverse range of medical facilities. This blog post presents a detailed overview of key hospitals, clinics, and health centers across the state—highlighting their services, addresses, and roles in community health development.
Tertiary Healthcare Institutions in Plateau State
Tertiary hospitals are the highest-level healthcare facilities, offering advanced diagnosis, specialist care, and training for medical professionals. In Plateau State, these institutions are largely concentrated in Jos, the state capital.
1. Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)
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Address: JUTH Road, Off Lamingo Road, Jos, Plateau State
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Type: Federal Teaching Hospital
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Services Offered: Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cardiology, Oncology, Hematology, and Emergency Medicine.
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Overview:
JUTH is a premier referral and teaching hospital in northern Nigeria. It is affiliated with the University of Jos and offers specialist care in nearly every medical field. With dedicated units for kidney dialysis, cancer care, infectious disease control, and emergency response, it plays a critical role in the health system not only for Plateau but also for neighboring states. The hospital is also known for training doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
2. Plateau State Specialist Hospital
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Address: Jos, Plateau State
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Type: State-Owned Tertiary Facility
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Services Offered: Internal medicine, dental care, surgery, maternal and child care, laboratory diagnostics.
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Overview:
This hospital supports secondary and specialist referrals, especially for government workers and insured patients under various health schemes. It has departments in dental surgery, radiology, pathology, and a rapidly developing dialysis unit. It is often a destination for patients who need follow-up treatment post-surgery or chronic condition management.
🏥 General Hospitals (Secondary Healthcare Services)
General hospitals offer essential secondary medical care and act as referral centers for smaller clinics and primary health centers. They often support outpatient and emergency services, maternity units, minor surgeries, and internal medicine.
3. General Hospital, Shendam
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Address: Shendam Town, Shendam LGA, Plateau State
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Services Offered: General consultations, minor surgeries, maternity services, orthopedics, family medicine.
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Overview:
Serving the southern belt of the state, this hospital is vital for rural communities. It offers round-the-clock care and supports NHIS enrollees. Known for its functional surgical unit and general ward, it also works with community outreach programs in surrounding villages.
4. General Hospital, Mangu
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Address: Mangu Town, Mangu LGA, Plateau State
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Services Offered: Emergency care, diagnostic lab, antenatal care, pediatrics, and treatment of infectious diseases.
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Overview:
This hospital provides support for a fast-growing local government area. With the population of Mangu increasing, the facility has expanded its maternity ward, pharmacy, and immunization clinic. Its location makes it a preferred option for travelers heading to Jos from central Plateau.
5. General Hospital, Langtang
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Address: Langtang Town, Langtang LGA, Plateau State
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Services Offered: General medicine, wound care, basic surgery, HIV/AIDS care, family planning.
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Overview:
As a secondary facility in southern Plateau, this hospital is instrumental in reducing the burden on Jos-based tertiary centers. It handles referrals from primary health posts across rural Langtang North and South.
🏥 Primary Health Centers (PHCs)
PHCs are often the first stop for people seeking healthcare, particularly in rural areas. They provide essential services like immunization, antenatal care, malaria treatment, and family planning.
6. Primary Health Center, Yelwa West
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Address: Near LEA Primary School, Yelwa West, Shendam LGA
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Services Offered: Routine immunization, antenatal care, tuberculosis and HIV services, family planning.
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Overview:
This PHC operates 24/7 and is a model for integrated healthcare. It plays a key role in maternal and child health by offering delivery services and postnatal support. Community health extension workers (CHEWs) frequently visit nearby villages to promote health education.
7. Longvel Primary Health Centre
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Address: Opposite Habitat Housing, Kwapkilik, Shendam LGA
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Services Offered: Outpatient care, delivery, immunization, pediatric services, wound dressing.
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Overview:
Established in the early 2000s, this center focuses on grassroots healthcare. It features a pharmacy, consulting room, and birthing suite. Mobile clinics are occasionally dispatched from this center to cover underserved areas.
8. Kabwir Basic PHC
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Address: Kabwir Pada, Kanke LGA
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Services Offered: Immunization, treatment of common illnesses, family planning, pregnancy monitoring.
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Overview:
This facility is open during daylight hours and works closely with traditional birth attendants and local community leaders to increase health awareness and compliance with vaccination drives.
9. Pankshin Town PHC
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Address: Near Daily Market, Pankshin Central
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Services Offered: Maternal care, outpatient treatment, childhood nutrition, and emergency birth services.
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Overview:
Well-situated in a busy commercial zone, Pankshin PHC sees a high volume of patients and has earned trust for effective malaria treatment and antenatal programs.
10. JUTH Comprehensive Health Center, Gindiri
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Address: Along Langai Road, Gindiri, Mangu LGA
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Services Offered: Surgical services, pediatrics, family medicine, dermatology, and emergency services.
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Overview:
This comprehensive center is managed by JUTH and bridges the gap between tertiary and primary care in semi-urban Mangu. It is equipped with a small lab and pharmacy and offers 24-hour service.
🏥 Private Clinics and Mission-Based Healthcare
Private and faith-based healthcare facilities contribute significantly to Plateau State’s healthcare delivery, especially in maternal and community services.
11. Bingham University Teaching Hospital (formerly ECWA Evangel Hospital)
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Address: Zaria Road, Jos, Plateau State
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Services Offered: Surgery, internal medicine, urology, ophthalmology, maternal health, and missionary medicine.
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Overview:
Founded by ECWA Mission, this hospital combines professional healthcare with faith-based healing and counseling. It also operates a medical school and offers services ranging from general surgery to infertility treatment.
12. Faith Alive Foundation Hospital
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Address: 21 Zarmaganda Road, Jos, Plateau State
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Services Offered: HIV/AIDS care, maternal health, child immunization, nutrition, and internal medicine.
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Overview:
This not-for-profit hospital is known for its focus on underserved populations. It offers free or subsidized treatment for HIV/AIDS and nutrition-based illnesses.
13. Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Hospital, Akwanga Road
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Address: Near Old Airport, Jos
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Overview:
Run by the Catholic Church, this mission hospital provides compassionate care, especially in obstetrics and pediatrics. It also partners with public health organizations for immunization campaigns.
💉 Challenges and Progress in Plateau’s Healthcare Sector
While Plateau State has a strong foundation for healthcare, it faces ongoing challenges:
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Shortage of Skilled Personnel: Especially in remote LGAs, there is a scarcity of doctors and nurses.
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Underfunded PHCs: Many rural centers lack drugs, electricity, and water supply.
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Insecurity: Some areas, especially in conflict-prone zones, have reduced healthcare access due to safety concerns.
Government and NGO Interventions
Efforts are ongoing to improve the state’s healthcare system:
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Partnership with International Donors to supply vaccines and medications.
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Strengthening LASHMA (Lagos State Health Management Agency) to cover more residents.
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Refurbishment of PHCs through state funding and federal grants.
✅ Conclusion
Plateau State is making steady progress in building a healthcare system that caters to urban, semi-urban, and rural populations. From advanced tertiary institutions in Jos to community-based health centers in Kanke, Shendam, and Langtang, healthcare is becoming more accessible to all.
Whether you're a resident looking for nearby care or a visitor in need of urgent attention, this guide offers a roadmap to understanding the healthcare landscape of Plateau State.
If you'd like this guide tailored to a specific local government area or formatted as a downloadable resource, feel free to ask!
