The National Hospital Abuja, aims to transform into a top-tier quaternary care facility capable of receiving patient referrals from other tertiary hospitals and neighbouring countries.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Raji Mahmud, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the hospital’s silver jubilee anniversary symposium themed: “Celebrating 25 years of Quality Services and Expert Care.”
According to Mahmud, this forms part of the hospital’s strategic goals, with a focus on sustainability in terms of enhanced operational processes and funding.
He said that the hospital also has funding and financing prospects which includes a decrease in reliance on government funding, boosting internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for self-sustainability and explore new private capital financing options.
However, partnership with individuals and corporate organisations will also enhance healthcare delivery; the CMD said that there were several collaborations aimed at tackling brain drain.
He also said that the hospital had successfully implemented a stable power supply system to ensure stable power supply throughout the facility.
“This has led to a significant decrease in power outages and interruptions, greatly enhancing our ability to carry out daily operations without any disruptions.
“These improvements were achieved through generator plant repairs, timely servicing, and most recently, a complete overhaul of some components.”
Mahmud said that the hospital has not been without its challenges which range from aging infrastructure to not optimally clean environment, three non-functional oxygen plants which resulted in buying oxygen.
Also, behavioural and attitudinal issues among the staff members, low IGR and pharmacy out of stock were issues that have been grappled with over the years.
He, however, said that some of these issues had been tackled, putting the hospital on the path to achieving its set goals.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, in his remarks said that over the last 25 years, the hospital has expanded in terms of infrastructure for women and children to cover many other medical conditions.
According to him, it has become a truly national hospital, a specialist facility for specialist care, for training and research.
“Good health begets hope and in this era of the reform agenda, we know President Bola Tinubu has committed to placing healthcare at the front burner in Nigerian.
“It is indeed a time for us to reflect on how far we have gone, to celebrate the achievements of the last 25 years.
“To also expand the human resources to deliver quality care at the best possible level for all Nigerians in a way that they can afford it,” Pate said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Hospital was established under the Family Support Programme by Act 36 of 1999 as a 200-bed National Hospital for Women and Children (NHWC), under the Presidency.
Initially, the hospital was focused to cater for women and children in Nigeria and West African, as well as reduce morbidity and mortality rates, conducting extensive research on causes of diseases.
However, in 2000, the name was changed to National Hospital, and its mandate expanded to cater to the need of all.
The hospital has since expanded to 400 beds and now provides specialist services in all areas of medicine. (NAN)
