Encourages Other Teaching Hospitals to Take Note
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to remain steadfast in his efforts to enhance healthcare provision for Nigerians through infrastructural development, as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda for the current administration.
Tinubu expressed this commitment during the unveiling of ten significant projects at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada (UATH) in Abuja on Thursday, where he was represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate.
He commended Chief Medical Director, Professor Bisala Ahmed Ekele, for advancing and expanding the Renewed Hope Agenda within the health sector, fostering collaboration among state, federal, local governments, and the private sector.
Professor Pate emphasised that the federal government has restructured and improved primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services across the nation to tackle emerging health issues.
“President Tinubu is broadening the health sector through the establishment of teaching hospitals and the provision of specialised centres to address ailments needing government attention,” he remarked.
Earlier, Chief Medical Director Ekele referred to May as a pivotal month for the institution, particularly concerning its establishment and various transitions.
He highlighted that in the past year, around ten infrastructure projects had been initiated and completed by the hospital management, covering professional, academic, and training activities for the staff.
While vowing to maintain the success story built over the past eight years since 2007, Ekele urged the government to continue investing in the hospital, especially given its geographical significance.
He appealed to the President, via the Minister, to provide a solar farm for the hospital to alleviate the persistent power supply issues.
Additionally, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Dr Ikechukwu Odikpe, reiterated the need for a solar farm at the teaching hospital, explaining that he had already discussed the request with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
The occasion culminated in the commissioning of the ten projects, represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Development, Professor Ali Pate.
The principal infrastructure renovations and commissions include the male surgical and medical/family planning units, an intensive care unit, an assisted reproductive construction unit, senior and junior staff quarters (each with a capacity of 50 rooms), and the CT scan department, among other facilities.