Emmanuel Daudu
Nigeria’s huge spending on foreign medical treatment may soon reduce significantly as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to strengthen local healthcare services for military personnel and their families.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a courtesy visit to the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence in Abuja, where he pledged renewed commitment to improving healthcare delivery within the Armed Forces and expanding Nigeria’s in-country treatment capacity.
Speaking during the visit, the retired General said the Ministry of Defence is determined to build a self-reliant military healthcare system capable of providing quality, accessible and timely medical care to personnel without the need for costly overseas treatment.
According to him, Nigeria must begin to place confidence in its own medical institutions by investing in facilities and services that can compete with global standards.
“We have spent enormous resources on medical tourism over the years. The goal now is to strengthen our institutions and ensure Nigerians, especially our military personnel, receive world-class care at home,” he stated.
The Defence Minister disclosed that reforms are already underway in the Defence Health Sector, including improved medical screening, early diagnosis mechanisms and expanded capacity to manage critical illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases.
He also revealed plans to establish a comprehensive mental health support framework for military personnel dealing with the psychological pressures associated with counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations across the country.
Addressing the security situation, General Musa raised concerns over the dangers faced by medical personnel operating in conflict zones, stressing that measures are being introduced to improve their protection and operational support.
The minister further announced plans to harmonise medical reporting systems across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force to improve coordination, efficiency and healthcare delivery within the military structure.
He added that the Ministry is also collaborating with international partners to enhance training, medical expertise and healthcare standards for military institutions 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 commitment to quality healthcare service delivery.
General Musa expressed optimism that the ongoing interventions would strengthen personnel welfare, improve health outcomes and build a more resilient military healthcare system for the country.
In her remarks, the Chief Medical Officer of AMCE, Aisha Umar, reaffirmed the centre’s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Defence, noting that the facility possesses state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly trained professionals capable of delivering healthcare services that meet international standards.
The statement was signed by Captain Moses Yare for the Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.
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