In a recent development, Prof. Muhammad Raji, the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja (NHA), revealed that the institution’s scope, initially focused on women and children, has broadened to encompass the medical requirements of the nation’s President.
Speaking to ElanzaNews in Abuja, Raji highlighted the hospital’s transition from primarily serving women and children to extending its services to all Nigerian citizens, irrespective of age, race, or gender.
Raji elaborated on the transformative journey of the National Hospital, detailing its progression from a facility dedicated to women and children’s healthcare to becoming the apex hospital catering to the diverse medical needs of the entire nation.
Despite its evolving mandate, the National Hospital encountered various challenges, including financial constraints and regulatory oversight.
Raji highlighted the impact of funding shortages on the hospital’s ability to sustain its primary objectives effectively.
Acknowledging the broader economic constraints affecting governmental institutions, Raji underscored the efforts to secure funding through philanthropic partnerships and public-private initiatives.
He cited collaborations with corporate entities like MTN, Airtel, and PENCOM, alongside interventions from agencies like NACA and Global Fund.
Raji outlined the hospital’s proactive approach in fostering PPP engagements to enhance service delivery and infrastructure development.
Notably, initiatives in radiology and electronic medical records underscore the institution’s commitment to innovation and efficiency.
Established under Act 36 of 1999, the National Hospital, initially designated for women and children, has evolved into a comprehensive 400-bed facility offering specialist medical services across diverse disciplines.
The transition from the Presidency to the Federal Ministry of Health marked a pivotal moment in its institutional growth and service orientation.
