Taraba State, located in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria, is blessed with a mix of urban and rural settlements. As the state continues to develop, the need for accessible and affordable healthcare remains a top priority. From tertiary hospitals in major towns to primary health centres in rural communities, Taraba's healthcare system serves millions of people daily. In this blog post, we will explore several important hospitals, clinics, and health centres in Taraba State and provide their locations and the kind of services they offer.
This guide will help residents, visitors, and healthcare seekers in Taraba know where to go for medical attention, whether it's a minor illness, major surgery, maternity care, or specialist consultation.
1. Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jalingo
Location: Barde Way, Jalingo, Taraba State
The Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo is one of the highest-ranking medical institutions in Taraba State. It was established to provide secondary and tertiary healthcare services to the people of the state and beyond. As a federal institution, FMC Jalingo has modern facilities and is well-staffed with medical experts in various fields like surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, radiology, and laboratory science.
Patients from other parts of the state and neighbouring states visit FMC Jalingo for more advanced treatments. It serves as a referral hospital for many smaller clinics and general hospitals across the state.
2. Taraba State Specialist Hospital
Location: Jolly Nyame Way, Off Bye-pass, Jalingo
This is a state-owned hospital that plays a significant role in providing secondary healthcare to the people of Taraba. It is equipped to handle surgeries, emergency cases, antenatal services, outpatient treatment, and more. The Taraba State Specialist Hospital is one of the top destinations for residents looking for quality medical services in the capital city.
With facilities like a diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy, and maternal ward, it bridges the gap between primary and tertiary care. Patients who don’t need to visit FMC Jalingo often find their care needs met here.
3. Gateway Hospital, Jalingo
Location: Abuja Street, Jalingo
Gateway Hospital is a reputable private hospital in Taraba State’s capital. It is known for its excellent outpatient services, medical diagnosis, child care, antenatal care, and minor surgeries. Being privately owned, the hospital is neat, well-managed, and offers personalised care to patients. Many residents who want quick service without the long queues associated with government hospitals often turn to Gateway.
4. Bethel Hospital, Wukari
Location: Ibi Road, Wukari
Bethel Hospital in Wukari is one of the well-known private hospitals in Southern Taraba. It offers general medical consultation, laboratory tests, childbirth services, and treatment of common illnesses. The hospital has a reputation for community-focused care and is a go-to choice for many residents in Wukari and neighbouring villages.
5. Rapha Hospital, Takum
Location: Katsina-Ala Road, Takum
Rapha Hospital is a private health facility in Takum that offers a wide range of medical services such as internal medicine, paediatrics, family planning, and minor surgical operations. It is especially appreciated for its maternity unit and quick response to emergencies. In Takum, where government hospitals may be overwhelmed, Rapha fills the gap by offering reliable services.
6. Jonas Clinics and Maternity, Takum
Location: Near Old Garage Roundabout, Takum
Jonas Clinics is focused primarily on maternal and child healthcare. Women from far and near come here for antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. The clinic also treats malaria, typhoid, infections, and other common ailments. It is affordable and strategically located in a busy part of town, making it accessible to many people.
7. Primary Health Centres (PHCs) Across the State
Taraba State has numerous Primary Health Centres (PHCs) scattered across its 16 Local Government Areas. These health centres provide basic healthcare services such as immunization, maternal and child health, family planning, malaria treatment, health education, and referral services.
Some popular PHCs include:
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Turaki A PHC, Jalingo – Offers 24/7 services including immunization and antenatal care.
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Staff PHC, Jalingo – Known for its clean environment and availability of essential drugs.
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Acha Nyim Health Centre, Takum – Provides treatment for malaria, diarrhoea, and maternal health services.
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Bariki Lissa Health Post, Donga – Caters to surrounding rural communities.
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Bete PHC, Takum LGA – Offers child welfare services and malaria treatment.
Each Local Government Area usually has a network of PHCs that handle the most common illnesses and refer complicated cases to secondary or tertiary hospitals.
8. Other Hospitals and Clinics
Taraba State also boasts of several other medical facilities offering healthcare services to the public. These include:
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Abdul Medical Centre, Jalingo – General medicine and emergency care.
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Danny’s Wellness Clinics Ltd, Jalingo – Focuses on preventive healthcare and wellness.
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Sauki Hospital, Bali – Offers maternity and outpatient services.
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Totus Hospital, Jalingo – Provides laboratory tests, scans, and specialist care.
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Federal Polytechnic Medical Centre, Bali – Serves students and staff of the institution.
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Albert Healthcare Company – A modern private clinic with well-trained staff.
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Kwararafa Hospital, Wukari – Offers both private and community health services.
9. Rural Healthcare Challenges in Taraba
Despite the growing number of healthcare facilities in the state, many rural areas still face challenges when it comes to access to proper medical services. Some of the challenges include:
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Lack of Medical Personnel: Many PHCs are operated by one or two nurses or health attendants due to shortage of doctors.
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Inadequate Infrastructure: In some villages, health centres lack electricity, water, and essential drugs.
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Transportation Issues: During emergencies, transporting a patient to the nearest hospital can be difficult because of bad roads or long distances.
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Limited Funding: Some state-owned hospitals struggle with equipment maintenance and staff salaries due to budget constraints.
Efforts are ongoing by the Taraba State Government, NGOs, and international health partners to improve the situation. Initiatives such as training of community health extension workers (CHEWs), provision of ambulances, and the upgrading of rural health centres are part of the solution.
Conclusion
Healthcare delivery in Taraba State is a growing system with a mix of public and private players. The state capital, Jalingo, is well served by both federal and state institutions like FMC Jalingo and Taraba Specialist Hospital. Other towns like Wukari, Takum, and Bali also have their own facilities ranging from general hospitals to clinics and maternity homes.
While progress has been made in providing healthcare to residents, there is still room for improvement—especially in rural areas. Investment in infrastructure, staffing, and rural healthcare outreach is key to ensuring that everyone in Taraba has access to quality health services.
Whether you live in the heart of Jalingo or in a rural community near Kurmi, knowing the right health facility to visit can save time, money, and lives. We hope this blog post helps you identify nearby hospitals and clinics where you or your loved ones can receive the best possible care.
