The Minister of State for Health, Mr Joseph Ekumankama, has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to upgrading healthcare infrastructure throughout the country.
Ekumankama expressed his appreciation during the inauguration ceremony of the new administrative complex at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi, Abuja.
Highlighting the significance of the investment in the health sector, Ekumankama stated that history would remember the Buhari-led administration for its dedication to improving healthcare services.
He emphasized that the newly inaugurated complex would enhance the capacity and motivation of the medical staff, enabling them to deliver excellent service.
Furthermore, Ekumankama applauded the FMC, Abuja for its remarkable achievements, including successful open-heart surgeries, laser operations, and spine surgeries.
He acknowledged the hospital’s distinction as the best public-owned hospital in the Commonwealth of Nations and praised Prof. Saad Ahmed, the Medical Director, for being named Health Advocate of the year.
Expressing his hopes for the future, Ekumankama urged the hospital management to prioritize the proper maintenance of the complex to ensure its longevity and benefit future generations.
Dr Alex Ideh, Chairman of the hospital’s board, attributed the success of several cardiac open-heart surgeries to the support provided by the Aisha Buhari Foundation, which donated much of the necessary equipment.
In recognition of President Buhari’s role in promoting the center’s growth, the new complex has been named the Aisha Buhari block.
According to Dr. Ideh, the complex will contribute to the development of a seamless, people-centered, and technologically-driven organization, fostering a motivated workforce and improved healthcare planning in a conducive environment.
Dr. Saad Ahmed, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for prioritizing healthcare and ensuring increased budgetary provisions and timely release of funds for capital projects.
He noted that the construction of the complex was funded through regular capital budgets, and several other building projects are underway, including the equipment support-ophthalmic complex, clinical services block, counseling center, and ward block extension, all nearing completion.
Dr. Ahmed also highlighted the challenge of limited space, which hampers the expansion of services at the facility.
He appealed for additional land space to accommodate the expansion of emergency units, a trauma center, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine services, and other high-end medical care.
He emphasized the need for essential medical and support equipment such as a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine, computers and networking equipment, a new 128-slice CT Scan machine, and high-end neurosurgical and ENT equipment.
Dr. Ahmed called for increased budgetary provisions to address these challenges and improve services, not only in Abuja but also in neighboring states.
The commitment of the Buhari administration to upgrading healthcare facilities and providing necessary equipment is expected to enhance patient care and improve overall health security in the region.