By Remi Johnson
Towards reducing healthcare tourism among very important personalities in Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Secretariat has inaugurated the state-of-the-art BNW -VIP Ward at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of medical care in the nation’s capital and reduce the reliance on foreign medical treatment, commonly referred to as health tourism.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasized that the new VIP ward is designed to provide world-class healthcare services, comparable to those sought abroad by affluent Nigerians.
The facility which has cutting-edge medical equipment, luxurious private rooms, and a team of highly trained specialists dedicated to delivering top-tier healthcare, will also provide services at discounted prices for FCT health workers and staff.
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe said the upgrade of the facility into world class standard, is part of efforts to make work environment comfortable for staff, as well as enhance quality service delivery for citizens.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe pointed out that the BNW- VIP Ward project was made possible through a combination of public and private sector contributions, and called for proper remuneration of health workers to enable them put in their best.
She acknowledged key financial partners, including Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and other well-meaning individuals who believed in the initiative and provided crucial funding support.
She further revealed that the FCT Minister had granted approval for the establishment of similar VIP wards in the remaining 13 hospitals across the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Fasawe, this approval aligns with the administration’s vision of upgrading healthcare infrastructure and reducing the need for Nigerians to seek medical treatment abroad.
In her welcome address, the Managing Director, Maitama District Hospital, Dr Rita Idemidia lauded Dr Fasawe for the initiative and expressed confidence that with continued support from stakeholders, Abuja would become a model for quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Also, the Acting Director General, FCT Hospital Management Board, Dr Olugbenga Bello who said its benefits include Improved Access to Quality Healthcare, and cost savings, noted that providing high-standard medical services locally, patients can save significant costs on travel, accommodation, and medical bills incurred abroad.
The Chairman Nigeria Medical Association, FCT Chapter, Dr Emeka About expression delight that the initiative will minimize cases of brain drain syndrome in the health sector.
He however urged the FCT Administration to expedite action in replicating the VIP wards across the remaining hospitals.
Similarly, the Chairman National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, FCT chapter, Comrade Jama Medan who described the intervention as timely at such a time when Japa syndrome is increasing, said the FCT hospitals will now receive more patronage.
Comrade Medan also said the new facility provides a platform for medical practitioners in Nigeria to gain exposure to advanced healthcare practices, reducing the need for reducing the need for Nigerian doctors to seek training overseas.
The launch of the BNW -VIP Ward at Maitama Hospital, named after Barrister Nyesom Wike (BNW) aligns with the FCT administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and ensuring that Nigerians receive world-class treatment within their homeland. The initiative is expected to set a benchmark for other hospitals