The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate rehabilitation and upgrading of 14 general hospitals across Abuja as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the nation’s capital.
The directive, announced after Tuesday’s FCT Executive Council meeting, includes the renovation of hospital infrastructure, installation of modern medical equipment and the provision of adequate personnel to operate and maintain the upgraded facilities.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the council meeting.
According to Fasawe, the rehabilitation programme will involve a comprehensive overhaul of the affected hospitals, including the procurement of advanced diagnostic equipment, X-ray machines and modern surgical tools for operating theatres.
She said Wike had also directed that staffing should be addressed alongside the rehabilitation to ensure that the hospitals do not only receive new equipment but have qualified personnel available to put the facilities to effective use.
The FCT Administration will also complete the long-abandoned Utako District General Hospital project, following the minister’s directive.
Fasawe said the administration had continued to meet its financial obligations to Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) under the FCT health insurance scheme through regular payments of premiums and capitation.
She explained that the combined investment in infrastructure, equipment, manpower and healthcare financing was aimed at improving access to quality and affordable medical services for residents of the FCT.
