The Federal Government has announced a 50% subsidy on electricity for public hospitals across Nigeria, a move aimed at reducing operational costs and alleviating the financial burden on patients.
This initiative was confirmed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a statement issued on Thursday. The subsidy is expected to significantly lower the energy expenses of healthcare facilities nationwide.
While speaking at the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna, Dr. Alausa also inaugurated the Electronic Health Records system and Alternative Power Supply at the Lawal Jafaru Isah Emergency Complex. In addition, he launched a solarization project at the hospital’s dialysis unit, which includes a solar-powered borehole and a 10.2 KVA inverter with a lithium battery at the Abdulkareem Jika Yusuf COVID-19 Intervention Centre.
As part of broader healthcare reforms, Dr. Alausa announced plans to rename Federal Hospitals as Specialist Hospitals. This rebranding aims to expand the scope of care and reduce the stigma associated with certain medical facilities, allowing for a broader range of services while maintaining their core functions.
Dr. Alausa praised the work of Dr. Aishatu Yusha’u Armiyau, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, citing the institution’s achievements as evidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to healthcare, as promised during his electoral campaign.
During his visit to the National Eye Care Centre, Dr. Alausa inaugurated the Dr. G.O Adejor Optical Showroom and the Dr. M.B Alhassan Diagnostic and Laser Unit. He also addressed the ongoing strike by Resident Doctors, which he noted was complicating efforts to secure the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a physician kidnapped from the hospital’s staff quarters. He called for patience and assured that efforts are underway to ensure her safe return.
Dr. Alausa also outlined plans to engage with Nigerian medical professionals abroad to address the ongoing migration of healthcare workers to other countries. Despite the structural challenges inherited by the current administration, he emphasized that President Tinubu is working closely with state governments to enhance Health Science Universities, aiming to increase annual health sciences enrollment from 24,000 to 100,000.
Earlier, Dr. Aminatu Abdulrahman, Acting Chief Medical Director of the National Eye Centre, highlighted the center’s longstanding commitment to providing specialized eye care, training, and research opportunities since its establishment in 1979.