By Harriet Tornguvan
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwah, has called on Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to intensify its healthcare services in response to the increasing physical and mental health needs of military personnel and veterans.
Speaking during a familiarisation visit to DHML headquarters in Abuja, Pheelangwah stressed that the organisation has become more critical than ever amid Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. He declared that no soldier, officer, or veteran should be excluded from access to quality healthcare.
He noted that the current security environment characterised by asymmetric warfare, counter-insurgency operations, and prolonged deployments has placed unprecedented strain on the wellbeing of Armed Forces personnel.
According to him, the growing population of retirees and veterans also demands a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system that preserves dignity and honours years of service.
Describing DHML as a “strategic pillar of national defence,” the Permanent Secretary urged its leadership to sustain high standards through innovation, discipline, and renewed commitment.
Pheelangwah explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening administrative oversight and gaining first-hand insight into the organisation’s operations, achievements, and challenges. He added that it also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to improving the welfare of serving personnel, veterans, and their families, while ensuring policy alignment across defence institutions.
He commended DHML for its achievements since its establishment in 2005, particularly its role as a dedicated Health Maintenance Organisation for the military. He highlighted its coverage of over 110,000 veterans and dependents through a wide network of healthcare providers, as well as its consistent compliance with the standards of the National Health Insurance Authority.
While acknowledging operational challenges such as delays in payments to healthcare providers, limited access to specialised care, and logistical constraints, Pheelangwah maintained that these issues are surmountable with coordinated and innovative solutions.
Additionally, he advocated stronger partnerships with tertiary hospitals, expansion of telemedicine services to reach personnel in remote areas, and improved logistics coordination for emergency response.
He assured DHML of the Ministry’s continued policy and administrative support to enhance its capacity and effectiveness.
The Permanent Secretary also praised the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising national security and the welfare of military personnel, alongside the contributions of the Minister of Defence and Minister of State for Defence in strengthening the Armed Forces.
Earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of DHML, A. B. Afolayan, disclosed that the organisation currently operates across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, providing beneficiaries with access to healthcare services through over 135 partner facilities at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.
He, however, identified key challenges facing the organisation, including irregular premium releases, lack of harmonised personnel data, and low awareness among veterans about accessing DHML services.
