… Says Rehabilitation of 14 Hospitals Underway
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has rolled out 12 ambulances to strengthen emergency healthcare services across hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike said the initiative is aimed at improving emergency response within the FCT health system.
“This is support for the FCT to strengthen emergency services as it relates to the health sector,” the Minister said.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, Wike noted that ambulance services cannot function effectively without good road infrastructure to convey patients during emergencies.
He questioned criticisms against the administration’s focus on road infrastructure and education, explaining that poor roads could render emergency services ineffective.
“But people forget that these ambulances may break down when there are no good roads. When it is an emergency period and the roads are not in good condition, the whole essence of emergency vehicles becomes useless. So, first things first,” he stated.
The Minister further disclosed that the FCT Administration is already in the procurement process for the rehabilitation and furnishing of 14 health centres across the territory.
“We are already in the process of procuring the rehabilitation and furnishing of 14 of our health centres,” Wike said.
He commended the Mandate Secretary and staff of the Health Services Secretariat for their efforts in equipping hospitals with emergency facilities.
Wike also cautioned against industrial actions, noting that the administration has settled outstanding debts owed to health workers and has plans to employ more personnel to strengthen health service delivery.
“Nobody is supposed to go on strike, though these debts were being owed. Thank God we were able to pay off all these debts. I have said before that every sector will be looked into,” he added.
Earlier, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services Secretariat, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, said the commissioning of the 12 new ambulances marks a significant milestone in strengthening emergency healthcare delivery in the FCT.
She noted that the provision of the ambulances demonstrates the administration’s commitment to people-centred governance, emergency preparedness, and improved health outcomes for residents of the territory.
Fasawe commended the Minister for investing in road infrastructure, noting its direct impact on healthcare delivery.
“For example, in areas like Abaji, Kwali, and Gwagwalada, the A2–Pai road construction has reduced travel time from about one and a half hours to roughly 30 minutes,” she said.
She cited other interventions by the administration, including the payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance and wage awards to healthcare workers.
“The medical residency training fund is also being paid, and the FCT is the only state that has paid all these allowances up to date,” she added.
According to her, other achievements include the upgrade of the School of Nursing to a full-fledged College of Nursing, making it the first of its kind in the region.
