By Chimezie Godfrey
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has pledged sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening military healthcare services and reducing dependence on overseas medical treatment.
The minister made the pledge during a visit to the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja.
General Musa said the Federal Government was determined to build a modern and self-reliant military healthcare system capable of delivering quality medical care to Armed Forces personnel within Nigeria.
“Nigeria has expended substantial resources on overseas medical treatment in the past. We must build confidence in our own institutions by providing reliable services that meet global standards,” he said.
The Defence Minister disclosed that reforms were already ongoing within the Defence Health Sector to improve medical screening, early diagnosis and treatment of critical illnesses among personnel.
According to him, the government was also prioritising mental healthcare for troops involved in operations against insurgency and banditry across the country.
Military and security analysts have repeatedly raised concerns over the psychological toll of prolonged combat operations on security personnel.
General Musa further expressed concern over the dangers faced by medical personnel deployed to conflict areas and promised improved protection and operational support.
He also announced plans to harmonise medical reporting systems across the Army, Navy and Air Force to improve efficiency and coordination.
The minister added that Nigeria was collaborating with international partners to strengthen military healthcare training and standards.
During the visit, General Musa met Officer Cadet Salim Abdulnazir, who is receiving treatment for injuries sustained during training at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He praised the management of AMCE for maintaining world-class standards and professionalism.
In her remarks, the Chief Medical Officer of the centre, Dr. Aisha Umar, said the hospital was ready to partner with the Ministry of Defence in improving healthcare services for military personnel.
She stated that the centre possesses modern facilities and qualified specialists capable of delivering healthcare comparable to international standards.
General Musa expressed optimism that the reforms would improve personnel welfare, reduce medical tourism and strengthen the military healthcare system.
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