The Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, Nasarawa State, has successfully performed open-heart surgeries on 18 children from across the state over the past two years. Chief Medical Director Dr. Yahaya Baba-Adamu highlighted the achievement during an event in Lafia, crediting upgraded equipment and dedicated staff. The surgeries addressed various heart conditions, reducing the need for patients to travel to Abuja for treatment.
Over the past two years, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi in Nasarawa State has conducted no fewer than 18 open-heart surgeries on paediatric patients suffering from various heart conditions. These patients hailed from across Nasarawa State and included cases of straightforward and complex heart diseases, as well as anomalies within the heart.
Dr. Yahaya Baba-Adamu, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Keffi, disclosed this information in Lafia, the state capital, while speaking to journalists after the Annual Lecture and Award Series organised by The Eyewitness Newspapers. At the event, Baba-Adamu was recognised as the Newspapers’ Icon of Public Service for 2025. He praised the efforts of paediatric surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare specialists at the centre, as well as workers from other hospitals who collaborated on the procedures.
“Because we have upgraded our equipment, it was possible for us to open and operate not less than 18 children’s hearts. Open inside their hearts, operated on them and they are all alive,” Baba-Adamu stated. He added, “Frankly, this recognition would not have been possible without the selfless efforts of all staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi. The dedication of this award to me is for all the staff of the FMC, Keffi, with whom I am always very proud of what they do.”
Previously, patients at FMC Keffi were often referred to Abuja for advanced treatment. Now, the centre receives cases from as far as Benue and other surrounding states. Baba-Adamu noted improvements in other areas, including dialysis services for kidney patients, eliminating the need for travel to Abuja. The hospital has also launched a Multi-Speciality Clinic addressing ear, nose, throat, eye, and dental issues. Additionally, accident victims from highway injuries, once sent to Abuja, can now receive care locally due to enhanced services.
The event featured speeches from Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, who emphasised the media's role in transparency and accountability. Guest speaker Timothy Anjide, former Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, discussed the administration's focus on education reform, youth employment, and skills development.