The Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday, unveiled Barrister Nyesom Wike (BNW) VIP Ward at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja.

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, explained during the event in Abuja, that the initiative was designed to provide comfortable space to access quality health care services in the FCT.

Fasawe explained that the ward was named after the FCT Minister, Wike, for his commitment to improve access to quality healthcare in a serene environment and curb medical tourism.

She explained that the ward was transformed from a three-bedroom ward to a five-bedroom amenity ward with support from kind-hearted individuals, philanthropists and corporate organisations as corporate social responsibility.

According to her, the establishment and upgrading of physical health infrastructure is very crucial to the Wike-led FCT Administration

“Beyond being a VIP ward, it will equally serve as an amenity ward because every person is important.

She described the BNW as “strategic intervention” to ensure that residents going to private hospitals to see doctors because of the conducive environment and facilities could access similar services in public hospitals.

According to her, the move will ensure that patients, do not stay in the comfort of the homes and practice self-medication, but visit the hospitals to see a doctor in a very comfortable space

“We want our patient to be comfortable.

“As we unveil the BNW VIP Ward today, let me reaffirm Wike’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve patients’ care.

“This initiative will serve as a beacon of hope and progress in our continued poise to elevate the standard of healthcare in our dear nation.”

She disclosed that considering the contributions of health workers in healthcare services, doctors and nurses within the HSES system would access the ward’s services free.

The mandate secretary added that while the ward would be open to every resident that could afford to pay, those with health insurance cover would access the BNW ward’s services at subsidised rate.

She said that so far, the ward had been booked till the end of June.

Fasawe also announced that the FCT minister had made provisions for the rehabilitation and upgrade of 14 general hospitals in the FCT in the 2025 budget, including doctors’ call-rooms.

Earlier, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Rita Idemudia, explained that the BNW VIP ward was initiated by Fasawe, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

The WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walta Mulombo congratulated the FCTA HSES for the initiative.

According to him, the BNW VIP ward will provide space for Nigerians and those living in the country to access services in a very good environment.

He, however, advised that the ward should not be exclusive to only VIPs but accessible to all Nigerians.

“This is why we are supporting the development of the National Health Insurance so that the scheme can take charge of the expenses for all Nigerians to be admitted in the VIP ward.

Mr Jama Medan, Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, described the provision of a good healthcare environment as “crucial” to the delivery of quality healthcare services to FCT residents.

Similarly, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, FCT Chapter, Dr Emeka Ayogu, commended Wike and Fasawe for the initiative, saying “it will curb medical tourism abroad”.

Ayogu added that the plan to rehabilitate and upgrade FCT general hospitals would equally curb brain drain in health facilities in the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru