The Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gusau, Dr. Bello Alhaji Mohammed, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). The award was presented at the Association’s 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), KATSINAN DIKKO 2025, held in Katsina on September 24, 2025.

Dr. Bello, who assumed duty in 2019, was recognised for his outstanding leadership, commitment to staff welfare, and contributions to improving healthcare delivery in Zamfara State and beyond. NARD described him as a leader who has raised the standard of care while inspiring younger generations of doctors.

Under his leadership, FMC Gusau has witnessed major improvements in infrastructure and service delivery. Completed projects include a 100-bed Mother and Baby Care Unit, a Paediatric Surgical Ward, House Officers’ Quarters (Phases I and II), and a Molecular Laboratory. New departments such as Health Information Management, Community Medicine, Psychiatry and a modern Works Unit have also been developed to expand the hospital’s services.

Other achievements include the introduction of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), the acquisition of a state-of-the-art ambulance, steady recruitment of staff, improved energy supply with 3 new generators and a clinical oxygen pipeline across the hospital and the commissioning of the 250-capacity Dr. Anka Mohammed Kabir Auditorium. The hospital environment has also been upgraded with a new ring road and drainage system.

Projects currently underway include the construction of a new Administrative Block, an expansive Emergency and Trauma Unit, the rehabilitation of the Amenity Ward, a befitting Isolation Centre and construction of Interns and NYSC Officers’ Quarters (by the Zamfara State Government). According to stakeholders, these projects are evidence that the medical director’s vision for FMC Gusau goes beyond short-term result and is aimed at long-term sustainability.

Several professional associations and colleagues have applauded the award. The National Association of Resident Doctors FMC chapter described Dr Bello’s impact to have extended “far beyond the walls of our institution, Federal Medical Centre Gusau (FMC), touching lives, building systems, mentoring generations and championing initiatives that uplift communities and strengthen our health system.” Also, the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), FMC Gusau Chapter, praised Dr. Bello’s leadership and humanitarian gestures, while the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Sokoto and senior members of NARD also described him as a visionary whose stewardship has turned challenges into opportunities. These groups agreed that the honour was not only well deserved but also a reflection of the wider medical community’s appreciation of his efforts.

Naziru A. Tukur (PhD), PRO, Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.