The federal government has announced a 50 percent subsidy on electricity tariffs for public hospitals nationwide.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Thursday while inaugurating several projects at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital and the National Eye Centre in Kaduna.
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During the event, Dr. Alausa launched the Electronic Health Records system and an Alternative Power Supply at the Lawal Jafaru Isah Emergency Complex. He also introduced a solarisation project at the dialysis unit of the Abdulkareem Jika Yusuf COVID-19 Intervention Centre, which includes a solar-powered borehole and a 10.2 KVA inverter with a lithium battery.
Dr. Alausa revealed plans to rebrand Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals as ‘specialist hospitals.’ He emphasized that while psychiatric services will remain a core focus, the name change will facilitate expanded services and help destigmatize these institutions.
At the National Eye Centre, Dr. Alausa commissioned the Dr. G.O Adejor Optical Show Room and the Dr. M.B Alhassan Diagnostic and Laser Unit. Acting Chief Medical Director, Dr. Aminatu Abdulrahman, highlighted the Centre’s role since its establishment in 1979, noting that it provides specialized eye care, training, and research. The Centre, which operates on 514 hectares and has 300 beds, serves as a referral point for 36 states and neighboring countries. In 2023, it attended to 53,406 out-patients and performed 4,653 surgeries.
Addressing reporters, Dr. Alausa acknowledged that a warning strike by resident doctors was affecting efforts to secure the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a kidnapped doctor from the Eye Centre. He assured that efforts were underway to secure her release.
The minister also expressed confidence in the leadership of Dr. Aishatu Yusha’u Armiyau, Chief Medical Director of the psychiatric hospital, and reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to expanding health science projects. This includes plans to increase annual enrollment in health sciences from 24,000 to 100,000.
