Hospital - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Ismail Abdulaziz
Apr, Thu, 2025

Health

Kwara Govt. upgrades Omu-Aran General Hospital to Teaching Hospital

327 total views today

By Yinka Owolewa

The Kwara Government on Thursday signed an agreement to upgrade the Omu-Aran General Hospital to a Teaching Hospital for medical students of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko.

TAU is located in Oko, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that TAU is expected to produce health workers, including medical officers and other specialists, to boost healthcare services in the country.

Delivering a keynote address at the signing of the MOU, Health Commissioner, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, said the occasion was another milestone to strengthen the state’s health system.

The commissioner described Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a man of action committed to beating his own records across various sectors.

She cited the recent recruitment of 1,005 health workers, including medical officers, midwives and nurses, as pivotal evidence of the governor’s achievements.

The commissioner also drew attention to the ongoing process to implement the latest CONMESS, facility upgrades across basic and secondary facilities and creation of the state teaching hospital as other achievements of the governor.

“To the glory of God, I have been privileged to work in America, United Kingdom and Nigeria, and nowhere in the world have I seen a sector completely run by the government that succeeded.

” So, it takes a forward thinking, visionary, and dynamic personality like Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to know the limit and seek the collaboration and support of the private sector.

” This is what is at play here today,” she said.

The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismaila Alebiosu, who spoke on behalf of Kwara South Senatorial District, commended the governor for making history with the latest initiative.

“We have never had it this good in our region and I speak for our people.

” The governor recently commissioned the Osi Campus of KWASU, and there are many road projects in different parts of our region.

” This is another big one and it shows that he is a governor for the whole of Kwara State.

” We are grateful to him,” he said .

The Olupo also described the founder and Chancellor of TAU, Dr Thomas Adewumi, as a fantastic problem solver and a pride of the region.

He further commended his commitment to the school project and other forms of humanitarian services.

“This project for which we are here today is a project for which I can say that Kwara Southerners are very grateful to the governor for.

” This is because it is going to be the first of its kind in this region.

” Our gathering in large numbers is to show how happy we are about this development.

” We are very happy that this is being done during our lifetime,” he added.

Adewumi, on his part, expressed gratitude to the governor for positively impacting lives and his concern for equity.

“The owners of Kwara South are all here today, as the presence of our monarchs shows.

” They have all come to celebrate the governor for what he has done for Kwara South.

” It is a landmark achievement that transcends ordinary consideration,” he said.

“Governor AbdulRazaq is a man who believes in fairness.

” He is making great impacts in the lives of the people.

” The impacts he has made in Kwara will live for decades and generations to come.

” We have never had it so good since 1967. I pray that God gives him long life and continues to use him for greater accomplishments,” he said.

NAN reports that the MOU is another initiative of the administration to strengthen its collaboration with private institutions in healthcare delivery.

NAN also reports that the government signed a similar MOU to allow Al-Hikmah University to use the newly upgraded Sobi Specialist Ilorin as a teaching hospital as part of the accreditation processes for its medical courses.

The MOU with TAU attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, top academics and stakeholders in the education sector.

Among the dignitaries were the Information Commissioner, Bola Olukoju; Chairman, Irepodun local government, Yakub AbdulAzeez and veteran journalist and APC chieftain, Raheem Adedoyin.(NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

Philip Daniel Yatai
Mar, Thu, 2025

Health

FCTA unveils VIP Ward in Maitama Hospital named after Wike

307 total views today

By Philip Yatai/Aderogba George

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

Salisu Sani Idris
Feb, Fri, 2025

Health

Patients from US, others throng Nigeria hospitals – Shettima

376 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says patients from the United States (US) and other countries are thronging Nigeria hospitals to seek affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.

Shettima said this on Thursday, during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference.

According to the Vice-President, Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism.

Shettima attributed the choice of Nigeria for treatment, to affordability and high-quality expertise within the country’s medical community.

He stressed the need for further investments in specialised medical education to sustain this progress.

“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals.

” Recently, 13 patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, because it is much cheaper here.

“They received the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President commended Dr Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care.

Shettima described Olatise as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.

The Vice-President, however, noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom he said, sold their houses or rely on government support to afford the transplants.

“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties.

“Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.

The Vice-President recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.

“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother.

” They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

” Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno as Governor, he took 60 female students to study Medicine in Sudan.

“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams.

” Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.

“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, Dr Olatise said that the conference with the theme, “Revolutionising Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from Feb.19 to Feb. 21.

Olatise, who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association, announced plans to honour Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award.

This, according to him, is in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.

“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country.

” He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients.

” This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.

Other members of the delegation included Secretary of LOC, Dr Adegboyega Faponle, and the association’s Treasurer, Dr Manmak Mamven. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Vivian Ihechu
Nov, Fri, 2024

Defence/Security

Acting COAS pledges to prioritise welfare of soldiers

447 total views today

By Abiodun Azi

The acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, says he will continue to prioritise the welfare and health of the personnel for utmost service delivery.

Oluyede said this after inaugurating an 84-bed space accommodation facility for military interns at the 66 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba (NARHY) on Thursday in Lagos.

He assured that the welfare of soldiers and officers would continue to be given prompt attention while underscoring the importance of personnel at the military medical Corps to soldiers and their families.

Oluyede charged the beneficiaries to ensure maintenance of the facility, saying that it would improve their comfort and better state of mind for the effective discharge of their duties.

Earlier, the acting Commander, Corps of Medical, Brig.-Gen Samson Okoigi, commended the COAS for gifting the command such an edifice.

According to him, the facility is not just a building, but a representation of the authority’s commitment in nurturing the future of the Nigeria Army Medical Corps.

“It is a commitment that ensures that our interns have the best possible environment to learn, grow and thrive.”

Okoigi noted that having such an edifice was an important requirement for the accreditation of the hospital’s continuous internship training.

“With a hospital with 250 Intens, this 84-bed accommodation will go a long way in alleviating the suffering of some of the interns who have to come to work from distant places with the attendant increased cost of transportation.

“The Ag COAS’s leadership has been instrumental in making this project a reality.

“It reflects our shared commitment to the health and well-being of our personnel and their families.

“To the interns: You are an integral part of the medical community. Your dedication, resilience and passion for service are what drive us forward.

“The new accommodation was designed with your needs in mind providing a space that fosters collaboration, learning and camaraderie,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Kamal Tayo Oropo