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Tajudeen, Saraki urge greater private sector investment in healthcare

Published 10 hours ago3 minute read
Nigeria healthcare sector

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki have reiterated the need for expanded healthcare service delivery in Nigeria, with increased private sector involvement and investment.

Both leaders made the call in Abuja on Thursday during the commissioning of Ashmed Specialist Hospital, describing the new facility as a significant addition to the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

Speaker Tajudeen conveyed the support of the legislature for the facility, saying it aligns with the Federal government’s healthcare delivery initiatives.

Represented by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, Amobi Ogah, Tajudeen said, “This effort directly complements the federal government’s drive to expand healthcare access for ordinary Nigerians.”

While commending Dr. Audu for establishing the facility with critical medical specialties, the Speaker assured the hospital of continued collaboration from the National Assembly to support private-sector efforts that improve the nation’s healthcare delivery.

Sen. Saraki, a medical doctor by training, praised the scale and quality of the hospital, noting the commitment required to develop such a project.

He also acknowledged the founder, Dr. Musa Idowu Audu, for his vision and execution, noting, “As a doctor, I understand the effort and resources it takes to deliver a facility of this standard.

“As a Kwaran, I’m proud that one of our own has delivered such a structure, not in his hometown, but here in the Federal Capital Territory”.

Saraki also highlighted Dr Audu’s longstanding advocacy for improved healthcare policy and access, stressing that facilities like Ashmed must be part of a broader push toward universal health coverage.

“Specialist centres like this are urgently needed across the country. I’m glad to see Ashmed working with Health Maintenance Organisations(HMOs) to expand access. For healthcare to be truly effective, it must be affordable to all, rich or poor.”

He praised the scale of the new hospital, its advanced equipment, and the overall design, calling it “one of the top hospitals in Abuja.”

Saraki, however, challenged the hospital’s management and staff to focus on sustaining service quality, noting, “Setting up a hospital is one part of the job, the harder part is maintaining high standards.

“This hospital has set a strong foundation, and I hope to see it grow even further in the coming years”.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, also commended Ashmed Specialist Hospital, Abuja, for its commitment to public service and its role in providing immediate care for accident victims.

Represented at the event, the Corps Marshal praised the hospital’s founder, who also operates Ashway Integrated Health Services, a national Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), for applying the same high standards to both health insurance and hospital operations.

“When we see the quality of care here, we have no doubt patronising this facility. I encourage everyone to enrol in health insurance, especially through Ashway, which guarantees access to services across Nigeria.”

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Dr. James Olanrewaju, said the 100-bed facility is open to all patients, regardless of status or affiliation, emphasising that the hospital was designed to be both accessible and affordable, including for the indigent.

Origin:
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The Nation Newspaper
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