The Federal Government has approved a 50% electricity subsidy for public hospitals across Nigeria, according to Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare. This initiative aims to reduce operational costs for these facilities and alleviate financial burdens on patients.
Dr. Alausa made this announcement during his visit to the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna, where he also inaugurated the Electronic Health Records system and Alternative Power Supply at the Lawal Jafaru Isah Emergency Complex.
In addition, the Minister launched a solarization project at the dialysis unit, featuring a solar-powered borehole and a 10.2 KVA inverter equipped with a lithium battery at the Abdulkareem Jika Yusuf COVID-19 Intervention Centre.
Dr. Alausa also announced plans to rebrand Federal Hospitals as Specialist Hospitals to expand care delivery and reduce stigma, allowing for the continuous expansion of services while maintaining core psychiatric services.
The Minister expressed his trust in Dr. Aishatu Yusha’u Armiyau, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, citing the institution’s achievements as a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign commitments.
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, but noted that the ongoing warning strike by Resident Doctors is hindering efforts to secure the release of kidnapped physician, Ganiyat Popoola.
Dr. Alausa urged patience and reassured the hospital administration that the abducted doctor would be returned shortly, and outlined plans to engage with medical personnel abroad about the significant migration of medical professionals to other countries.
Despite inherited structural challenges, the Minister affirmed that President Tinubu is in active discussions with state governments to enhance initiatives related to 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 centre’s specialized eye care services, training, and research opportunities, established in 1979.
