Dept Content

The Medical Social Services Department (MSSD) was created on 11th December, 2004 by the then Medical Director, Dr Ramatu Yahaya Hassan. The department commenced operation while occupying an office at the Out Patient Pharmacy.

 Mohammed Jibril Kamba was the pioneer Head of the Department from 2004 to 2006. He handed over to Dogara Yohanna who was the Head from 2006 to 2008. Khalid Abubarkar Libata is the current head from 2008 till date.

The Medical Social Services Department is an essential component of any tertiary Hospital which without comprehensive health care would not be ideal. The major aim of the Department is to provide social work to individual and enhance the general wellbeing of the populace. These services are being offered to alleviate psycho-social problems which are precipitated by ill health.

Structure:

The department operates a three pronged structures to facilitate provision of services. 

i. Clinical Social Works: this unit is responsible for alleviating patients in need of social interventions to make adequate investigation and plans in form of case work to facilitate appropriate intervention.

ii. Social Advocacy and Community Services: it is responsible for soliciting supports and assistance on behalf of patients. It also has responsibility for repatriation liaison with patients and their families on social welfare issues and needs.

iii. Counselling: it is responsible for giving psycho-social counselling and specific support to individuals and communities. The unit is largely responsible for counselling persons living with HIV/AIDS including adherence to drugs. This is in addition to counselling patients living with terminal illnesses, debilitating conditions and those with exceptional needs and their families.