…as it unveils Wike VIP ward at Maitama hospital
By Sarah NEGEDU
The leadership of the Federal Capital Territory Administration have received approval for the establishment of VIP wards fitted with state-of-the-art medical facilities across all secondary health centers in the territory.
This development is coming following the unveiling of the Barrister Nyesom Wike, BNW, VIP Ward at the Maitama District Hospital on Thursday.
Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who dropped the hint during the official unveiling of the ward, said the FCT Minister had granted approval for the establishment of similar VIP wards in the remaining 13 general hospitals across the territory.
She expressed confidence that the move will not only reduce medical tourism among high network individuals in the territory, but also enhance quality of medical care in the nation’s capital.
The Mandate Secretary emphasized that the new VIP ward is designed to provide world-class healthcare services, comparable to those sought abroad by affluent Nigerians.
The facility which has cutting-edge medical equipment, luxurious private rooms, and a team of highly trained specialists dedicated to delivering top-tier healthcare, will also provide services at discounted prices for FCT health workers and staff.
According to Fasawe, 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.*
“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 added that the BNW- VIP Ward project was made possible through a combination of public and private sector contributions, and called for proper remuneration of health workers to enable them put in their best.
She acknowledged key financial partners, including Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and other well-meaning individuals who believed in the initiative and provided crucial funding support.
Fasawe also announced that the FCT minister has made provisions for the rehabilitation and upgrade of 14 general hospitals in the FCT in the 2025 budget, including doctors’ call-rooms.
“Well, In the 2025 budget we have capture the fourteen hospitals for rehabilitation, the document after the approval it will give us details of how much is allocated for rehabilitation and provision of equipment in the hospitals.
“The exercise will cover upgrading and changing of equipment in all the hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the FCT”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Managing Director, Maitama District Hospital, Dr Rita Idemidia lauded the Secretariat for the initiative and expressed confidence that with continued support from stakeholders, Abuja would become a model for quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Also, the Acting Director General, FCT Hospital Management Board, Dr Olugbenga Bello who said its benefits include Improved Access to Quality Healthcare, and cost savings, noted that providing high-standard medical services locally, patients can save significant costs on travel, accommodation, and medical bills incurred abroad.
The Chairman Nigeria Medical Association, FCT Chapter, Dr Emeka About expression delight that the initiative will minimize cases of brain drain syndrome in the health sector.
He however urged the FCT Administration to expedite action in replicating the VIP wards across the remaining hospitals.
Similarly, the Chairman National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, FCT chapter, Comrade Jama Medan who described the intervention as timely at such a time when Japa syndrome is increasing, said the FCT hospitals will now receive more patronage.
Comrade Medan also said the new facility provides a platform for medical practitioners in Nigeria to gain exposure to advanced healthcare practices, reducing the need for reducing the need for Nigerian doctors to seek training overseas.
