By Harriet Tornguvan
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery for personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, with renewed efforts aimed at reducing medical tourism and enhancing local treatment capacity.
General Musa made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja, where he stressed the need for a self-reliant military healthcare system capable of providing quality and timely medical services to troops and their families.
According to the minister, Nigeria had over the years spent enormous resources on overseas medical treatment, noting that the government was now determined to build confidence in local medical institutions by supporting facilities that meet international standards.
“We must build confidence in our own institutions by providing reliable services that meet global standards,” he stated.
General Musa disclosed that the Ministry of Defence was implementing reforms within the Defence Health Sector, including improved medical screening, early diagnosis, and enhanced capacity to manage critical health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive mental health framework for military personnel, particularly those exposed to the psychological pressures associated with counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country.
The minister further expressed concern over the dangers faced by medical personnel deployed to conflict zones, assuring that measures were being introduced to improve their protection and operational support.
As part of broader reforms, he revealed plans to harmonise medical reporting systems across the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force to improve coordination, efficiency, and healthcare delivery within the Armed Forces.
General Musa also noted that the Ministry was collaborating with international partners to strengthen medical training and improve healthcare standards for military personnel nationwide.
During the visit, the minister met with Officer Cadet Salim Abdulnazir, who is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during training at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He commended the management and staff of AMCE for their professionalism and world-class healthcare services.
In her remarks, the Chief Medical Officer of AMCE, Dr Aisha Umar, welcomed the minister and reaffirmed the centre’s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Defence in delivering quality healthcare services.
She stated that the facility possesses state-of-the-art equipment and highly qualified professionals capable of providing medical care comparable to global standards.
The minister expressed confidence that the ongoing interventions would improve health outcomes, enhance personnel welfare, and build a more resilient healthcare system for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
