Abuja, Nigeria – In a bid to address the persistent electricity challenges plaguing public healthcare facilities, the Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated an Implementation Committee for a National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector. The initiative aims to achieve sustainable electrification of public healthcare facilities nationwide, significantly impacting the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, announced the urgent initiative during the committee’s inauguration at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized the dire need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to the issue, stating, “It is obvious that the current efforts are neither integrated nor guided by any holistic framework, operational guideline, or overarching policy. We can no longer afford business as usual in the face of mounting energy bills of our hospitals.”
The primary objective of the national dialogue is to foster public-private partnerships to ensure a reliable electricity supply to public health institutions. The dialogue will also explore alternative and sustainable solutions, focusing on renewable energy options, backup power systems, and energy-efficient solutions to enhance power reliability in tertiary and other health facilities across the country.
Dr. Salako highlighted the crippling impact of high energy costs on hospitals, stating that they “gulp hundreds of millions of naira.” He expressed hope that the new committee would pave the way for a solution, relieving hospitals of this financial burden.
The Minister outlined the committee’s key terms of reference, which include:
- Convening the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector.
- Ensuring effective implementation of recommendations from the National Dialogue.
- Mobilizing resources and attracting investments for sustainable electrification of public healthcare facilities, using a whole-of-government approach.
Dr. Salako also acknowledged the priority attention being given to the health sector by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that this commitment is steadily guiding Nigeria towards universal health coverage.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Salahudeen Jimoh, Director of Hospital Services Department, underscored the critical role of power in ensuring effective and efficient healthcare delivery. He expressed optimism that the proposed national dialogue, bringing together major stakeholders, would comprehensively address and resolve the long-standing problem of electricity challenges in healthcare facilities.
The inauguration of the Implementation Committee signifies a significant step towards ensuring stable power supply in Nigerian healthcare facilities, ultimately leading to improved patient care and a stronger healthcare system. The success of the committee’s efforts will be crucial in achieving the government’s goal of providing accessible and quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
