Back in the late 1950s, Kano faced a pressing issue—overcrowding at the General Hospital. To tackle this problem, several prominent companies and affluent individuals came together to establish the “Kano Voluntary Hospital Society.” Their primary objective was to raise funds for the construction of a £25,000 hospital and clinic in Kano City. Led by Prince Alh Ado Sunusi, the Chairman, and Mr. Michael A. Agbamuche, the Barrister-at-Law Secretary, the society aimed to alleviate the suffering caused by the lack of medical facilities in the area.
The Kano Voluntary Hospital Society garnered significant attention and public support. However, to the astonishment of many, the organization failed to fulfill its ambitious goal. On November 3, 1962, the society announced its dissolution, citing insufficient financial response from the public. With that, their lofty plan fell into obscurity.
However, amidst this disappointment, a remarkable Anambra man from Oba in Idemili South, named Dr. Madueke Ugwunze emerged as a game-changer. He single-handedly transformed healthcare in Kano with his private hospital known as Sahara Hospital, situated in the Sabon Gari Area. The esteemed late Emir of Kano, Alh. Ado Bayero, inaugurated this groundbreaking establishment on November 30, 1963.
Before opening Sahara Hospital, Dr. Ugwunze had served as a medical officer at the Kano City General Hospital, Asibitin Murtala (formerly known as Asibitin Murtala), between 1962 and 1963. He had also worked as a medical officer in Yola in 1961 and Makurdi. Dr. Ugwunze’s journey began at the Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, and later took him to the University of Bristol in 1952. He further honed his medical and surgical skills at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, during his horsemanship in 1960.
Dr. Ugwunze’s reputation grew rapidly, attracting numerous prestigious clients in Kano. Prominent organizations such as Nigerian Airways, Bank of the North, U.T.C, S.C.O.A, United Bank For Africa, H.W. Romain and Sons, Yorkshire Insurance Company, and Steel Construction Limited sought his healthcare expertise.
Therefore, whenever you come across a private hospital building or signboard in Kano, always remember Dr. Ugwunze—the pioneer who revolutionized healthcare in the region.
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