Fire Engulfs Gombe Central Medical Store

An early morning inferno has gutted the Gombe Central Medical Store, a critical healthcare facility housing over two million doses of polio vaccine and various essential medical consumables and equipment.

The destruction, valued at over N5 billion, poses a significant setback for Gombe, as it is scheduled to kick off the March-April 2024 poliomyelitis campaign.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has promptly inspected the charred remains of the State Mega Medical Cold Store facility, where he stressed the urgent need to address the catastrophic situation.

Governor Inuwa appealed to donor agencies and health sector stakeholders to come to the aid of Gombe, emphasizing the facility’s role in supporting healthcare not only in the state but across the entire Northeastern subregion.

The governor stated, “This facility was at some point the center for drugs distribution to the entire northeast region, not only Gombe State.

“Prompt intervention by the Federal government, development partners such as WHO, UNICEF and other critical stakeholders will make a significant impact in strengthening our healthcare system.”

He directed the commissioner for works and transport to swiftly move his technical team and provide immediate recommendations, stressing the urgency of revitalizing the facility in view of its historical role as a key distribution centre for medical supplies in the region.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, while conducting the governor round, revealed that the inferno obliterated vaccines valued at over five billion naira, including 2 million doses recently received from UNICEF and Rotary International for distribution across the state’s local government areas.

The extensive damage also included polio vaccine, routine immunization supplies, cold rooms, ultra-cold chain equipment for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, maternal and child health equipment, nutritional items, family planning commodities, and special equipment for primary healthcare centres and maternity.

Refrigerators, cylinders, air conditioners, and motorcycles were among the numerous items consumed by the fire.

The over 60-year-old cold store, previously used to house COVID-19 vaccines in 2020, played a significant role as a holding place for vaccines destined for onward distribution to other Northeastern states.